The Utah Hockey Club have added some reinforcements to the blue line after some early-season injuries.
Utah acquired veteran defenceman Olli Maatta from the Detroit Red Wings late Tuesday night. The Red Wings received a 2025 third-round pick that originally belonged to the New York Rangers in return.
Maatta, 30, is a 12-year NHL veteran who slots into a more depth role.
Utah was looking for bodies on defence after losing Sean Durzi (shoulder surgery) and John Marino (back surgery) for multiple months. Maatta carries a $3 million cap hit and will be a free agent next summer.
The Red Wings had a surplus on the blue line entering the season. The trade opens up more ice time for veterans Justin Holl and Erik Gustafsson, and rookie Albert Johansson, who have all rotated in and out of the lineup early on.
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