In a surprising move late Tuesday night, the Utah Hockey Club acquired veteran defenseman Olli Maatta from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick. The trade comes as Utah looks to bolster their injury-riddled blueline and add some much-needed experience to their roster.
Utah’s Defensive Woes
The inaugural season for the NHL’s newest franchise has been a rollercoaster ride thus far. After a hot start that had fans dreaming of playoff contention, Utah has stumbled recently, going 1-4-2 in their last seven games. A significant factor in their struggles has been a decimated defense corps.
Last week, Sean Durzi, who led the Arizona Coyotes in defensive scoring last season before the team’s relocation to Utah, underwent right shoulder surgery. He’s expected to miss the next 4-6 months. The bad news didn’t stop there, as offseason acquisition John Marino, brought in from the New Jersey Devils, had lower back surgery that will keep him out 3-4 months. He has yet to suit up for Utah this year.
Enter Olli Maatta
Desperate for reinforcements, Utah turned to the trade market and found a willing partner in Detroit. In acquiring the 30-year-old Olli Maatta, Utah adds a steady, experienced presence to eat up minutes in their top four. Maatta has played over 690 NHL games across stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, and Red Wings.
Olli is a proven winner who brings leadership and poise to our back end. His Stanley Cup pedigree will be invaluable for our young group as we navigate this adversity.
– A source close to Utah’s management team
While Maatta’s offensive numbers have dipped in recent years, he remains a solid defensive defenseman capable of playing a smart, efficient game. Last season with Detroit, he recorded 4 goals and 14 assists in 72 contests while averaging over 18 minutes of ice time per night.
Familiar Faces
Maatta won’t be the only multiple-time Stanley Cup champion on Utah’s blueline. Ian Cole, who captured two titles alongside Maatta in Pittsburgh, signed with Utah as a free agent this past summer. The two formed an effective shutdown pairing during the Penguins’ championship runs and will look to rekindle that chemistry in Salt Lake City.
Ian and I have been through the wars together. I’m excited to go into battle with him again.
– Olli Maatta
Low Risk, High Reward for Utah
In surrendering only a 2025 third-rounder for Maatta, who carries a $3 million salary cap hit and will be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, Utah made a shrewd move to address a pressing need without mortgaging their future. If Maatta can help stabilize the defense and nurture Utah’s young talent, this trade will be a resounding success.
For the rebuilding Red Wings, moving Maatta opens up ice time for their prospects while adding another pick to their growing draft capital. With Maatta set to walk in free agency, gaining a third-rounder for a few months of his services is a tidy bit of business.
The Road Ahead
With Maatta in the fold, Utah will look to get back on track and recapture the form that had them turning heads earlier this season. If the savvy Finn can provide a calming presence and help Utah’s inexperienced defense weather this storm, the Hockey Club may still have a chance to shock the world and contend for a playoff spot in their inaugural campaign.
