Utah Hockey Club Acquire Defenseman in Trade with Detroit Red Wings
The Utah Hockey Club acquired the defenseman Olli Maataa in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings late last night.
Around 11 PM E.T. on Tuesday night, the Detroit Red Wings and the Utah Hockey Club confirmed they've reached a deal involving Maatta. In return for the defenseman, Utah sent a third-round pick at the 2025 NHL draft.
Interestingly, that pick was originally from the New York Rangers, who sent it to the Arizona Coyotes in the Patrick Kane trade back in 2023.
The Utah Hockey Club General Manager Bill Armstrong was looking to add a defenseman to his team following long-term injuries to Sean Durzi and John Marino. With these key players forced to be sidelined for three or four months, Utah had no choice but to add some talent at the blue line if they wanted to remain on the right track for a successful first NHL campaign.
Drafted 22nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2012, the 30-year-old Finnish took part in 691 NHL games in his career, plus 85 in the playoffs. He registered 177 points in that time, including 40 goals, playing for the Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, and Red Wings.
He notably won two Stanley Cups with the Pens in 2016 and 2017.
After a surprisingly great start to the season, Utah will look to bounce back from a tough four-loss streak tonight against the Calgary Flames. Maatta, a left-handed defenseman, could play his first game with Utah tonight, likely taking a spot on the second or third pairing. Utah fans are eager to see what Maatta can bring to the team.
