Olli Maatta is the Red Wings Long-Term Answer
Well, what’s there left to say other than “wow”. So far this season, I’ve found myself repeating that word quite often. More times than not it’s been to describe left-handed defenseman, Olli Maatta’s play.
So far this season, Maatta has played in three games for the Red Wings. And somehow, someway, he’s putting up numbers that we expect from players like Cale Makar, Roman Josi, Victor Hedman and Adam Fox.
In those three games for the Red Wings, Maatta has recorded one goal and three assists for a total of four points. But of course, you can’t forget the defensive statistics.
So although the four points in three games is a incredible stat. He is a defenseman which means we have to take into consideration of what his +/- is. And in this case, it’s respectable. To go along with the four points, he also has a +3. Additionally, the Red Wings defenseman has seven blocks, two hits and three takeaways.
Now, as you all know, stats can be misleading on ones play. For example, when Michael Bunting plays on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, it’s pretty easy for him to get points. But, there is something behind the lines that we should consider with Maatta- Is he the Red Wings long-term answer?
When the Red Wings signed Ben Chiarot, it was to give Seider a counterpart who can play on both ends of the ice. However, looking at how things have gone for Maatta and Chiarot, I’m beginning to think that Maatta may be the counterpart for Seider.
Moritz Seider is one of the best defenseman in the league, or if that’s too rich for your taste, he’s at least got to be one of the best young defenseman in the league. Can we agree on that? Okay, good.
Seider is coming off a Calder winning season in which he scored seven goals, 43 assists for a total of 50 points in his rookie season. To me, that speaks to the type of player he really is. How many rookies can put up 50 points in their first season? Little lone a defenseman. It’s impressive. However, we needed a counterpart for him and Maatta is showing that he could be that.
With Seider being a very good offensive defenseman, and an improving defensive player, it feels to me like they should be trying to get a guy who can match him. And no offense to Chiarot, but I’d say that Maatta complements Seiders talent a little bit better.
Now, I know all of this is premature because for all we know Maatta may not put up another point all year long. However, we have to recognize just how good he’s been on the ice so far.