Maatta was traded to Utah by the Red Wings for the draft pick

Olli Maatta was traded from the Detroit Red Wings to the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

The 30-year-old defender hasn't picked up a point in seven games this season. He had 18 points (four goals, 14 assists) and a plus-14 rating in 72 games during the 2023-24 season.

“I think with what we won in (Maatta), he's a two-time Stanley Cup winner,” Utah general manager Bill Armstrong said Wednesday. “He gives the defense a lot of stability and that's what we need. One of the big things we are trying to do is reduce our scoring and he will help create that stability at the back.”

Maatta is in the final season of a two-year, $6 million ($3 million average annual value) contract he signed with the Red Wings on February 16, 2023.

Maatta was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round (No. 22) of the 2012 NHL Draft and has 177 points (40 goals, 137 assists) in 691 regular season games with the Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings and Red Wings . He also has 27 points (five goals, 22 assists) in 85 Stanley Cup playoff games.

“Being able to add another Stanley Cup winner to that (locker room) is huge for us,” Armstrong said. “One of the things you see at the club, I mean I talk about it a lot but I'll say it again. I think we are the second youngest team in the league. So, you know, you see games.” “We had to calm that down the other night and make sure we had a good veteran presence that would allow us to come away with the win.”

Utah (4-4-2) has lost six of its last seven games after a 3-0-0 start. It has also allowed at least four goals in six of its 10 games this season.

“(He) is probably one of the hardest-working people with the best reputation in the game,” Armstrong said. “I know him from when I saw him play for the London Knights (of the Ontario Hockey League). His work ethic is incredible, it's contagious in the locker room. He is a great person. He comes every day as.” “I'm a professional and I'm trying to get better and make the club better.”

Maatta could make his debut when Utah hosts the Calgary Flames on Wednesday (9:30 p.m. ET; Utah16, SN360, TVAS).

“I think he’s a good NHL defenseman,” Utah coach Andre Tourigny said. “He has experience, great size, experience on the back end, stability. He's good defensively, has a great first pass. He is an experienced NHL player. “I know a lot of people on the Detroit team, so I had a chance to talk to them.” And I think the transition will be pretty smooth.

NHL.com independent correspondent Matt Komma contributed to this report