yave1964 Posted Wednesday at 06:05 PM Share Posted Wednesday at 06:05 PM Small trade between the Wings and Utah. Maatta traded to the Utah club in exchange for a third round pick in the coming draft. It makes an incredible amount of sense for both. Look, Maatta IMHO was always one of the most overrated defenders in the game, at least in my opinion early on. He hit the league as a house on fire, had personal health issues, came back but the offense was gone, he won a couple of cups, bounced around a bit as a third pair shut down penalty killer, no matter where he went his teammates raved about his sacrifice for the team, playing hurt, unsung roles, and did them verty well. I watched him for several years in Detroit, i discovered he is sound, can still sneak in and fire the puck on occasion, and no matter what role he is given he does it well with no complaint. I actually went from thinking he is overrated to accepting him for what he is, 16 minutes of effort every night and does his job very well. He does not move the needle but he is a very good placeholder on the bottom pair. Utah has a decimated defense, Durzi will miss all or most of the season, one of the big defenders who was supposed to do well John Marino is also out, rumored to be gone for two months. Their defense is in huge trouble, adding a steady calming Maatta is brilliant for them. I think early hje will play 18, 19 minutes on the second pairing with Valimaki to help cover the talented youngsters mistakes. He does slightly move the needle for Utah. Dertroit added a third rounder, coming from the Rangers which was dealt to them in the Kane deal. Rangers are near elite, the pick in going to be around pick 85 give or take, quality selection for Maatta. Utah ate Maattas 3 million per season salary which is significant, the Wings were cash strapped but now have room to make a move or two when they get closer to the deadline. Detroit has young Albert Johansson who would have to clear waivers to send him out, he is a young athletic stay at home deefender who will slot into the third pair spot opened by moving Maatta. Also, the wings were carrying 8 defenders, one too many really, and Tyler Motte was ready to return to the 4th line wing now the wings have cap space and a slot to fit him into. Outstanding deal for both. I truly like it better for Utah as they get a serviceable player but the Wings adding a third, clearing salary and adjusting their roster to allow yet another Wings rookie defender to get his minutes in is a true boon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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