Earlier this season, the Detroit Red Wings traded Olli Maatta for a third-round pick. Now, they could be looking for a defenseman similar to Maatta, but he is no longer available.
Maatta, 30, recently signed a three-year extension with the Utah Hockey Club, with an average annual value of $3.5 million.
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman may look to bolster his defense before Friday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline by acquiring a player who can either join the lineup immediately or add depth.
The Red Wings started the season with eight defensemen and cleared up the surplus by trading Maatta on October 29.
However, Jeff Petry sustained an undisclosed injury on January 2 and underwent surgery a month later, potentially sidelining him for the rest of the season.
In response, the team called up William Lagesson from Grand Rapids, though he has been a healthy scratch for the past 23 games.
Maatta, a left-handed, stay-at-home defenseman, has played in 51 games for Utah, recording two goals and 12 assists, after appearing in seven games for Detroit in October.
Maatta played under Red Wings coach Todd McLellan for two seasons in Los Angeles.
“Great character, a true team player,” McLellan said. “I really enjoyed my time with Olli. He can play the game in various ways. A winner. There were moments when he was tough on himself due to his high expectations, but he’s a fantastic teammate and a fun guy to be around.”
