![]() Still, it sure seems like the Kings’ best plan is to focus mainly on the future. He has two years remaining at just over $4M. Olli Maatta, acquired by LA, is a competent defensive defenceman who projects as a fringe top-four player. For all Los Angeles’ struggles, they played solid defense in 2020-21. On one hand, Maatta gives the Kings another palatable defenseman. Meanwhile, this move is mildly puzzling from the Kings’ perspective. Dylan Strome and Dominik Kubalik both present interesting conundrums, value-wise. On the other hand, Crawford quietly played fantastic hockey for an often-overmatched Blackhawks defense that may get incrementally shabbier without Maatta.Įven if Crawford walks, the Blackhawks will be looking for a goalie (sorry, penciled-in backup Malcolm Subban).īeyond that, the Blackhawks face some RFA situations. On one hand, his age and (quite recent) injury concerns must be considered. Most prominently, 35-year-old cornerstone goalie Corey Crawford is a pending unrestricted free agent. That’s significant, as the Blackhawks face some free agent conundrums. Kings receive: Olli Maatta, 26, $3.33M cap hit after salary retention (through 2021-22).īlackhawks receive: Morrison, retain $750K of Maatta’s salary through 2021-22.įollowing this trade, the Blackhawks now have about $11.16M in cap space (with 16 roster spots covered), according to Cap Friendly. Blackhawks trade Olli Maatta to Kings, open space (possibly for Crawford?) Morrison, 23, hasn’t ever played in an NHL game, so it’s not clear if he’ll see any action with the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks confirmed that they retained $750K of Maatta’s salary in the deal, while also noting Morrison’s $743,333 cap hit for 2020-21. Forward Brad Morrison goes to the Blackhawks in this trade. Pairing Maatta up with one of those two young guys can only lead to success with their offensive capabilities.The Blackhawks sent defenseman Olli Maatta to the Kings in a trade that clears up more than $3 million in cap space for Chicago. Personally, I would like to see him play with a player like Ian Mitchell or Adam Boqvist next season. The question moving forward is going to be who he plays with and in what pairing. I am excited about Olli Maatta, and I think he is a great piece for this Blackhawks defense. His numbers increased both in points and Corsi this year after a bad season with the Penguins last year. However, he is still reliable enough for our team. ![]() ![]() Maatta might not be as good as he was supposed to be after his first few rookie seasons. Maatta is only 25, and while he might not be the fastest defensemen in the league, he has shown in the past he can play offensively. This is not a bad contract for someone who can play in the top four for the Blackhawks a few years down the line. Maatta, who is signed through 2021-22, is making 4 million a year with the Blackhawks. Maatta has not had the best few seasons ever since some injuries plagued his career following Pittsburgh winning their back to back Stanley Cups, even still, I believe he can still be productive for the Blackhawks. ![]() While Olli Maatta might not have had the best start with the Chicago Blackhawks, it is all about where he finishes with the team. Olli Maatta might have only played one season with the Blackhawks so far, however, I believe he can be a big piece in the future.
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