Detroit Red Wings officially trade defenseman Olli Maatta in a late-night move

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James Connelly
October 30, 2024 (2:15)

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The Detroit Red Wings have officially brokered a trade with the Utah Hockey Club sending veteran defenseman Olli Maatta out west.

The Utah Hockey Club has recently been in many trade rumors looking to target a defenseman after injuries to Sean Durzi and John Marino. Caught with the injury bug, GM Bill Armstrong decided to make a move that brings a stable veteran presence to their back end. Earlier tonight, Utah finally made a move sending away a 2025 third-round pick to Detroit in exchange for defenseman Olli Maatta.

Maatta, a veteran defenseman, has solid underlying metrics despite not scoring a point through seven games this year. He can keep pucks out of his net in bottom pairing minutes which allows for his star teammates to avoid chasing the game from behind.

From Detroit's perspective, they were able to to free up $3 million of cap space which they desperately need having placed pricey goaltender Ville Husso on waivers earlier this year. This also opens up a roster spot for a young defenseman looking to break into the NHL. GM Steve Yzerman will be looking to make more moves as the year progresses and this allows for him to have the flexibility to move for many players who will be available later on in the year.

Maatta has 691 career games played in the NHL split between Pittsburgh, Chicago, LA, and Detroit and brings Stanley Cup experience winning two with the Penguins in 2016 and 2015. He will now look to stabilize Utah's blue line for the rest of the year and help them push for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs in their inaugural season.