The Utah Hockey Club have added to their defensive core. Olli Maatta, a former first-round pick from 2012, has been acquired via trade from the Detroit Red Wings.
Maatta Traded to Utah
UPDATE: The #RedWings have traded defenseman Olli Maatta to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for a 3rd round pick in 2025. pic.twitter.com/XUy7a6TvpM
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 30, 2024
In exchange for Maatta, the Red Wings are acquiring a third-round pick for the upcoming NHL Draft.
Maatta has played in seven games with the Red Wings this season but has recorded no points. The veteran started his career in Pittsburgh, where he helped the Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. In addition to the Pens and Wings, Maatta has spent time in Los Angeles and Chicago.
Utah Adding to Depth
Utah went into the season with a great deal of depth on their defence. Mikhail Sergachev was brought in via trade, while Ian Cole came via free agency. Futhermore, Utah also signed Robert Bortuzzo late in the off-season. The acquisition of Maatta is just the latest defenceman brought in.
Injuries Inspired Trade
Despite the depth, Utah is currently missing two of their top-four defenceman. Sean Durzi and John Marino both underwent surgeries in the past couple of weeks. Timetables for returns are unknown at this time, but Durzi could miss the rest of the regular season following shoulder surgery. It is likely Marino will return this season, but it will not be until around February.
Initially, it seemed Utah would try to fill the voids from within. Maveric Lamoureuxfrom was called up from the American Hockey League. Furthermore, fellow youngster Michael Kesselring has gotten NHL time following the injuries.
The decision to trade for Maatta could have different reasons attached to it. On one hand, Utah is maynot want to overexpose their youngsters to the NHL just yet, depending on where they are with their development. In addition, they also may want an additional veteran presence in the locker room. Utah is a team who could be a fringe playoff contender this year. An additional veteran who has won before can be a huge asset.
The real reason likely lies somewhere between our two scenarios. Regardless, Maatta will be an asset to Utah as they navigate the season without two of their top defensemen.
MAIN PHOTO: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
