With his strong defensive game, leadership qualities, and playoff experience, Olli Maatta has proven to be a reliable and valuable player in the National Hockey League
His experience, skill set, and dedication to the game make him a player to watch in the coming years, and he is sure to continue contributing to his team’s success.
While Maatta has already achieved a great deal in his career, there is no doubt that he has more to give. As one of Finland’s top hockey exports, Maatta’s journey from the junior ranks in Finland to the NHL has been marked by impressive growth and resilience.
With a Stanley Cup championship under his belt and years of experience playing at the highest level, Olli Maatta is poised to continue making an impact in the world of hockey for many years to come.
His steady career earnings, growing from his humble beginnings to his peak salary in 2023, reflect his journey and the trust that teams have placed in him. The Utah Hockey Club’s decision to carry forward the terms of his previous contract further cements his standing in the league as a dependable and valuable defenseman.
Looking ahead, Maatta will likely continue to play a key role in Utah’s defensive strategies, while his guaranteed earnings provide him with the security to focus on his performance without financial distraction.
Also Read: Tanguy Cosyns Speaks Out: Local Culture Fuels Performance in Hockey India League
Table of Contents
Olli Maatta: Who Is He?
The Finnish Defensive Prodigy Making Waves in the NHL
Olli Maatta was born on August 22, 1994, in Jyvaskyla, Finland. Growing up in Finland, Maatta quickly developed an interest in ice hockey, a sport that has a rich and storied tradition in his home country.1
From a young age, he displayed an exceptional aptitude for the game, excelling in various youth leagues and showcasing the skill that would eventually propel him to the highest levels of the sport.
His early years were spent playing for local Finnish teams, honing his abilities as a defenseman and gaining the attention of scouts from top Finnish and international leagues.
Maatta’s rise through the Finnish hockey ranks was swift. His combination of size, skating ability, and hockey IQ made him stand out from his peers. As a teenager, he was a key figure for the Finnish national teams, representing his country at various age levels in international competitions.
His performances on the international stage added to his reputation and helped him gain a spot in the prestigious Liiga, Finland’s top professional hockey league.
A familiar position for Olli and Jamie. In the past four games Määttä and Oleksiak have a combined +17. Since being paired together they’ve been on… https://t.co/OzJJmZoxJD
— Olli Määttä (@GoalyMaatta) October 31, 2018
Early Life and Beginnings in Finland
Olli Maatta’s potential did not go unnoticed by NHL scouts. He was drafted in the first round, 22nd overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
This marked a major milestone in Maatta’s career, as he was now officially a part of one of the most successful franchises in NHL history. His selection was a testament to his talent and the potential he had to become a key piece in the Penguins’ defense.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, known for their high-powered offense and consistent playoff performances, were eager to add Maatta to their roster.
His skills as a two-way defenseman, capable of contributing both defensively and offensively, made him an attractive prospect for the Penguins.
Maatta’s size and physical presence on the ice also added another dimension to the Penguins’ defense corps, giving them a versatile player who could play in all situations.
Olli Maatta: Career
NHL Debut and Early Success
Maatta’s journey to the NHL was a relatively swift one. He made his NHL debut during the 2013-14 season at just 19 years old.2
In his very first game, Maatta quickly made an impact, contributing offensively in a 5-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.
He registered his first two points in this game, marking a memorable start to his professional career. It didn’t take long for Maatta to make his mark, and his confidence grew as he settled into the fast-paced world of the NHL.
During his rookie season, Maatta continued to impress both the coaching staff and his teammates. His smooth skating and ability to read the game made him an effective presence on the ice.
In addition to his solid defensive play, Maatta displayed an ability to jump into the rush and create offensive opportunities. His offensive upside was evident early on, and it was clear that Maatta was a special talent on the back end.
His offensive contribution continued to grow as the season progressed. Maatta’s first NHL goal came against the Vancouver Canucks, further solidifying his place as a promising young defenseman.
Later that season, he recorded his first multi-goal game in a win over the San Jose Sharks, showcasing his ability to contribute on the scoresheet and provide an added dimension to the Penguins’ blueline.
Injury Struggles and Resilience
Despite his strong start in the NHL, Maatta’s early career was not without challenges. Throughout the course of his career, he faced a series of injuries that would test his resilience and determination to succeed at the highest level.
In his rookie season, Maatta underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his thyroid gland, which was a significant setback. The procedure kept him sidelined for a portion of the season, but Maatta’s positive attitude and commitment to his recovery allowed him to return to the ice.
In subsequent years, Maatta dealt with several injuries, including shoulder and knee problems, which occasionally slowed his development. However, each time Maatta faced adversity, he demonstrated an incredible work ethic and the mental fortitude to come back stronger.
Despite these setbacks, he remained a key figure on the Penguins’ defense and continued to grow as a player, improving in all areas of the game.
2016 Stanley Cup Triumph: A Career-Defining Moment
- Perhaps the most significant moment of Maatta’s career came in 2016 when he helped lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Stanley Cup championship.
- The Penguins’ victory in the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals was a crowning achievement for the team, and Maatta played a vital role in their success.
- His defensive play, ability to move the puck efficiently, and solid positioning were instrumental in Pittsburgh’s deep playoff run.
- Throughout the postseason, Maatta demonstrated his ability to handle high-pressure situations, playing a key role in shutting down some of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.
- He was a reliable presence on the ice, contributing defensively while also providing offensive support when needed.
- His calm and steady play in the finals helped the Penguins secure their fourth Stanley Cup championship in franchise history, cementing Maatta’s place as a crucial part of their core.
- The 2016 Cup win was a defining moment not just for Maatta’s career but for the Penguins’ overall success during that era.
- Maatta had not only made his mark as a promising young defenseman but had become a key player on a Stanley Cup-winning team.
- His performance during that postseason would be remembered as one of the highlights of his career, further solidifying his place as one of the top young defensemen in the league.
Olli Maatta: Transition to the Utah Hockey Club
As of February 2025, Maatta finds himself playing for the Utah Hockey Club in the National Hockey League.3
His move to Utah is an exciting chapter in his career, providing him with new opportunities and challenges. After spending several seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Maatta’s move to the Utah Hockey Club represents both a fresh start and a chance to contribute to a new organization.
The Utah Hockey Club is a team on the rise, looking to build a competitive squad with a mix of young talent and experienced players. Maatta’s leadership, experience, and skill set make him an ideal fit for the team, as he brings a wealth of experience and a championship pedigree to the defensive corps.
The move to Utah allows Maatta to take on a larger leadership role, helping to guide the team and mentor younger players while continuing to develop his own game.
A Well-Rounded Two-Way Defenseman
- One of the defining traits of Olli Maatta’s game is his ability to contribute at both ends of the ice. As a defenseman, Maatta excels at breaking up plays, playing physical when needed, and maintaining strong positioning in the defensive zone.
- His hockey IQ is one of his strongest assets, allowing him to make quick decisions and effectively shut down opponents.
- He is also capable of creating offense, using his skating ability and vision to join the rush and contribute to his team’s attack.
- Maatta’s transition game is one of the hallmarks of his play. He is known for his ability to move the puck efficiently out of his own zone, making crisp passes and finding open teammates to set up scoring chances.
- His skating ability allows him to join the rush and create offensive opportunities, adding an extra layer of threat to his game.
- While Maatta is known for his defensive reliability, he has also shown that he can step up and contribute offensively when needed.
- His shot from the point is strong, and he has a knack for getting involved in the offensive zone during key moments.
- This combination of defensive stability and offensive upside makes Maatta a highly valuable player, capable of making an impact in every facet of the game.
Also Read: Samuel Montembeault (Ice hockey): Bio, Wiki, Career, Net Worth 2024, Wife And More
Olli Maatta’s Contract with the Utah Hockey Club
Olli Maatta, the Finnish defenseman, recently signed a two-year contract with the Utah Hockey Club, a deal that is set to keep him with the team for the next two seasons.
The contract, valued at $6,000,000, guarantees him full payment for its duration. With a salary structure that is relatively straightforward, Maatta’s contract includes an average annual salary of $3,000,000, and he will be taking home $3,000,000 for the 2024-25 season.
This contract was initially signed with the Detroit Red Wings, but after being traded to the Utah Hockey Club on October 29, 2024, the terms of the deal were carried forward with his new team.
This ensures that Maatta remains financially secure while continuing to contribute on the ice, making his contract a vital part of the club’s salary cap situation.
Understanding Olli Maatta’s Contract Breakdown
Looking at the numbers for the 2024-25 season, Maatta’s contract features a base salary of $3,000,000, with no signing bonus.
The total cap hit is $3,000,000, meaning that this figure represents the amount that counts against the Utah Hockey Club’s salary cap for the season. Notably, there is no dead cap associated with the contract, which is beneficial for the team’s financial flexibility.
In terms of the cash Maatta will receive, he is slated to earn $3,000,000 in total cash for the year. This payout structure is simple, and it ensures that Maatta is compensated at a rate that reflects his importance to the team.
This breakdown highlights the straightforward nature of Maatta’s current contract, with no complicated bonuses or stipulations involved.
Olli Maatta’s Salary for the 2024-25 Season
For the 2024-25 season, Olli Maatta will earn a base salary of $3,000,000. This figure is entirely in cash and forms the core of his earnings for the year.
In terms of per-minute pay, given the average number of minutes in a year, Maatta will earn approximately $5.7 per minute of the year. This is an impressive figure, underscoring the value that Maatta brings to his team both on and off the ice.
The $3,000,000 salary places Maatta in the range of middle-tier earners in the NHL, though his experience and contributions to the game still make him a highly valued player for the Utah Hockey Club.
This salary structure is an attractive deal for both Maatta, who is guaranteed a decent living, and for the team, which can use his contract to balance their financial priorities.
How Much Has Olli Maatta Earned in His NHL Career?
Since making his NHL debut in 2012, Olli Maatta has built a successful career, gradually increasing his earnings as he has gained experience and demonstrated his capabilities as a reliable defenseman.
According to Spotrac, as of February 2025, Maatta has earned a total of $35,523,500 throughout his career.
Maatta’s journey started with modest earnings, with his initial contract in 2012 paying him just $92,500. However, over the years, as Maatta matured into a consistent NHL player, his contracts grew in value.
By the 2023 season, he earned $3,000,000, marking the peak of his earnings up until now. His career earnings reflect his steady presence in the league and his ability to maintain a high level of performance through multiple team changes and contract negotiations.
Guaranteed Amount in Olli Maatta’s Contract
A key aspect of Olli Maatta’s contract with the Utah Hockey Club is that the entire $6,000,000 value of the deal is guaranteed.
This means that Maatta will receive the full amount regardless of performance or injury, offering him financial security for the two-year duration of his contract.
In many cases, NHL contracts can include clauses that reduce or forfeit part of the salary depending on certain conditions.
However, Maatta’s contract is straightforward, with no such conditions tied to his earnings. This is an advantageous situation for Maatta, as it assures him that the money he is set to earn over the next two years is secure.
Also Read: Macklin Celebrini’s Mother Robyn Shares Childhood Hockey Story of Prospective No. 1 Draft Pick