Utah Hockey Club Acquires Olli Maatta from Detroit Red Wings
The trade bolsters Utah's defense following injuries to key players, exchanging a 2025 third-round draft pick for the veteran defenseman.
- Olli Maatta, a 30-year-old defenseman, joins the Utah Hockey Club from the Detroit Red Wings, bringing his experience as a two-time Stanley Cup winner.
- Utah traded a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, originally acquired from the New York Rangers, to secure Maatta.
- The acquisition comes as Utah faces significant defensive challenges due to injuries to Sean Durzi and John Marino, both sidelined for several months after surgeries.
- Maatta played seven games for Detroit this season without scoring but had 18 points in the previous season, highlighting his potential contribution to Utah's defense.
- The trade also provides Detroit with salary cap relief and a roster spot, allowing them to focus on developing younger players.