SALT LAKE CITY — On Tuesday night, the Utah Hockey Club made a significant addition to their roster by trading for experienced defenseman Olli Maatta from the Detroit Red Wings. In return, Utah will send a third-round draft pick to Detroit, which is for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft.

This acquisition comes as the Utah team faces challenges due to the long-term injuries of key players Sean Durzi and John Marino. The 30-year-old Finnish player brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously won the Stanley Cup twice during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Throughout his career, Maatta has consistently logged over 18 minutes of ice time per game, contributing to several teams, including the Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, and most recently, the Red Wings. The third-round draft pick being sent to Detroit was originally obtained by Utah from the New York Rangers as part of a previous deal.

It’s noteworthy that the Utah Hockey Club was once recognized as the Arizona Coyotes before undergoing a change in ownership and relocating to Salt Lake City. This trade marks a strategic move as the team aims to bolster its defensive lineup in light of recent challenges.