Salary Cap Projections Update For Next Season Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk1OTI1NDAwMDQyMzUwMDQ5/usatsi_19891955.jpg] The trade deadline might be coming closer on the horizon, but contract extensions have been all the rage these days. The Detroit Red Wings were the latest club to get in on the action, announcing Thursday morning they agreed to terms with defenseman Olli Maatta on a two-year extension worth an average annual value of $3 million. The deal, which now ties Maatta to Detroit through the 2024-25 season, kicks in at the start of the 2023-24 campaign. Maatta is currently playing out the one-year deal he signed with Detroit this past summer. Long regarded as a potential trade chip for GM Steve Yzerman to use at the coming deadline, Maatta has apparently done enough to convince management he warrants sticking around for a few more years – and for good reason. Maatta has been a bright spot amidst an otherwise disappointing season for the Red Wings in 2022-23. The 28-year-old has racked up a decent four goals and 12 assists for 16 points in 48 games, all while logging over 18 minutes in nightly ice time. While not exactly an offensive dynamo, Maatta has instead earned his new deal through some impressive defensive play this season, becoming an important cog in Detroit's blueline as he routinely draws difficult shutdown assignments. With the Red Wings expected to take a step forward next season after years of supposed rebuilding, Maatta's new contract sends the message that the organization considers him one of the pieces capable of driving their future success. Whether that next step actually comes remains to be seen. But, for now, Maatta has found a home after years of searching.
