Red Wings free agent signing Olli Maatta spoke with NHL.com/fi’s Teksti Simo Jarvinen, and Suomi Kiekko’s Joni Alatalo took note, of the conversation:
Olli Maatta is excited about this upcoming season with the Detroit Red Wings, and he also praised the team’s potential: “Able to raise his level tremendously”
The Detroit Red Wings made some tough additions to their team in recent weeks. They include, among others, Ville Husso, Andrew Copp, David Perron and Dominik Kubalik.
Finnish defenseman Olli Maata, who signed with Detroit on a one-year contract after a season with the Los Angeles Kings, can be added to that list. The 27-year-old Maatta has high expectations for the upcoming season.
“I”m excited about this opportunity. The team had good players even before the free agent market started, and now the recent signings have raised hope that the team wants to succeed. I really want to be a part of it,” said Maatta, according to the NHL’s Finnish website.
Maatta’s NHL career began in the 2013-14 season, and he’s played in 534 regular season games (30 goals, 106 assists, 136 points) and 85 playoff games (5 goals, 22 assists and 27 points) in the NHL. In addition to the Kings, he’s also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks. With the Penguins, he won two Stanley Cups. Maatta believes that he’s going to give the Red Wings some necessary experience.
“I remember how good a team the Red Wings had at the time. I hope I can bring the necessary value to help the team improve its play. Of course, it’s about trying to be yourself and finding your place in the lineup, but I believe that I have a lot to give to the team,” Maatta summarized.
Next season, Maatta will be able to play on the Red Wings together with, among others, the young German star Moritz Seider. The 21-year-old promising defenseman was chosen as the best rookie in the NHL last season, posting 7 goals, 43 assists and 50 points over the course of 82 games. Maatta was excited to discuss Seider’s properties and potential.
“He has good skill and attacking power. In addition, Seider plays excellently both ways. He’s an amazing talent to watch. Detroit has drafted well in recent years, and he’s proof of that. Seider is a defender who can raise his level tremendously over the next couple of seasons,” Maatta said.
