Red Wings Sign Defenceman For 2 More Years

The Detroit Red Wings are keeping around one of their defensive pieces for two more years as it was announced that the team has signed Olli Maatta to a two-year, $3 million AAV contract. The 28-year-old was going to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and could have even been a potential trade chip at the 2023 Trade Deadline.

Maatta has been a solid and cheap addition to the Red Wings' blue line this season, serving as the fourth/fifth defenceman. He gets a raise for his efforts as his cap hit this season is just $2.25 million. Detroit's left side of their defence is much weaker than their right and only Ben Chiarot was signed past this season. Expect Maatta to continue playing where he has been for the next two seasons, whether that is on the second pair or the third pair.

Maatta is having his most productive season offensively since 2017-18 and the Red Wings like the veteran presence and playoff experience he brings as he is a two time Stanley Cup winner. He has five goals and 17 points in 49 games. Over the previous two seasons combined (107 games played), Maatta scored only one goal and 12 points. He has definitely rebounded nicely and once again found his game, earning the new contract he got.

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