The Detroit Red Wings won’t be flipping Olli Maatta anywhere at the trade deadline. The defenseman has signed a two-year contract extension worth a total of $6MM ($3MM AAV) that will keep him in Detroit through the 2024-25 season.
Maatta, 28, was scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency this summer after signing a one-year, $2.25MM contract with Detroit last July. His play this season has still left something to be desired but has been good enough to earn himself a more extended stay.
Playing just over 18 minutes a night, Maatta has 17 points in 49 games. At even strength, the vast majority of that time has been spent next to Filip Hronek, a pairing that has actually had outstanding results, even if the process looks shaky at times. With both players on the ice, Detroit has outscored opponents 29-12 despite rather pedestrian possession numbers.
For whatever reason, it has tilted the ice in Detroit’s favor, something they will try to continue to do over the next two seasons.
It also removes a potential target from trade speculation, as teams were likely considering Maatta as a depth addition, He does have quite a bit of playoff experience and won two Stanley Cup championships with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Given how many other contracts are expiring on the Detroit roster, it makes sense that the front office will be trying to keep some of them. The deadline for the Red Wings could still be an explosive one, especially if Dylan Larkin ends up on the market.
They will regret it soon if not already.
Gavin. I have seen a trend lately on the posts from yourself & your co-workers. I’m not going to list every occurence, but it seems that if your not Matthews or McDavid on forward, Dahlin or Karlsson on “D” your play is stated as sub-par or something to be desired. I don’t get it. Not every forward is a point producer day in and day out. Not every D man is racking up points on a daily basis either. They are ROLE players, logging minutes, killing penalties, etc. Ollis is a Plus player on a average D core. Logging above average minutes.
This certainly may be true in some sense, but I would suggest the piece I wrote on Mikey Anderson just yesterday as a counterpoint. Not everyone needs to be putting up huge points, but not everyone is a great player either, even in a limited role.
Maatta, for instance, is getting way better results than his play has shown – valuable context for a contract extension.
The only thing I havnt enjoyed with Maata, was yesterday he “covered”, I believe Nuge Hops, by hooking his chest which led to a goal by Hops. I think Nuge smartly held onto his stick with his elbow.
He was right next to him and could have easily tied up/lifted his stick qnd instead hooked his body. Only bad defense comes to mind with Maata
But Maata got similar resultslast year with similar metrics. He seems to be a metric outlier. Maybe his style of play isn’t measured properly within the context of the current sabermetrics system.
They got their Olli. The cost doesn’t Maatta.
Doesnt Mantha it’s true my sir
Hockey Feed reported today that the Kings have locked up Olli Maatta for 3 years. Lazy journalism!!!!!!!
@WilfPaiement—You just reminded me why some sites should be shut down because of “Yellow Journalism.” HockeyFeed reeks of clickbait garbage. Even TSN is better, and that’s not saying a whole lot.
Shut down the world