Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Finland defenseman Olli Maatta (3) skates against Team USA in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Utah Extends Olli Maatta with Three-Year Contract

Veteran defenseman Olli Maatta secures his future in Utah, signing a three-year extension to remain a key piece of the team’s blue line.

The Utah Hockey Club has locked in a key piece of their blue line, signing veteran defenseman Olli Maatta to a three-year contract extension worth $10.5 million. With an annual cap hit of $3.5 million, the deal reflects Maatta’s resurgence as a reliable top-four defenseman since joining Utah earlier this season.

After struggling to find a consistent role with the Detroit Red Wings, where he was often limited to bottom-pairing minutes, Maatta was traded to Utah in late October for a third-round pick. The move came at a crucial time, as Utah needed experienced defensive support with Sean Durzi and John Marino sidelined due to injuries. Since his arrival, Maatta has been a stabilizing force, proving his worth with strong performances on both ends of the ice.

Olli Maatta has signed a three-year extension with Utah ✍️ pic.twitter.com/BXkPk4mHvZ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 3, 2025

In 51 games with Utah, he has registered 14 points (2 goals, 12 assists) while maintaining a solid plus-seven rating. More importantly, he’s averaging 20:41 of ice time per game—marking only the second time in his 12-year career that he has played over 20 minutes a night. His ability to handle heavy defensive responsibilities is evident, especially given that he starts over 55% of his shifts in the defensive zone. Despite that, his possession numbers remain respectable, showing that he’s more than capable of handling increased minutes.

One of Maatta’s key strengths is his versatility. Although a natural left-shot defenseman, he has proven he can comfortably play on both sides. Earlier in the season, he filled in as a top-pairing option alongside Mikhail Sergachev while Durzi and Marino were injured. Since their return, he has formed an effective second-pairing duo with Durzi, helping Utah control 58.3% of expected goals when they are on the ice together.

Also Read: Dallas Stars Eye More Trades Ahead of 2025 NHL Deadline

Olli Maatta has also played a significant role on Utah’s penalty kill, showing defensive reliability that fits well within head coach André Tourigny’s structured system. While Utah excels at controlling shot attempts and scoring chances at even strength, inconsistent goaltending has kept their overall team defense ranked around the middle of the league. Still, Maatta’s steady presence has helped Utah remain in playoff contention, as they currently sit just two points behind the Calgary Flames for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

For Maatta, this new contract provides stability after bouncing around the league in recent years—Utah is now his fifth team in the last seven seasons. Meanwhile, the club secures an important defensive piece without committing to a long-term deal that extends into Maatta’s mid-30s when performance could start to decline.

With Maatta signed, Utah now has six defensemen under contract for next season, raising the possibility that veteran Ian Cole, a pending free agent, could be moved before the trade deadline. The team also has $25 million in projected cap space for the 2024-25 season, with only six roster spots left to fill. That financial flexibility puts them in a strong position to make a big splash in the offseason, particularly in adding forward depth to strengthen their lineup.

Image Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Olli Maatta

Utah Hockey Club

Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!