What can Detroit Red Wings fans expect from Olli Maatta extension? 

The Detroit Red Wings have locked up Olli Maatta for two more seasons. They inked the veteran defenseman to a two-year, $6 million contract extension with an average annual value of $3 million. The new deal kicks in next season. Maatta is currently playing out a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

Maatta is currently a third-pair defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings. He is 28 years old and has been in the league since his rookie campaign with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2013-14 season. He has won two Stanley Cups, both with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

Maatta has had a career resurgence this season. He has been one of Detroit's biggest surprises.

Here are three things Detroit Red Wings can expect after Olli Maata’s extension

1- His best season in years

Between 2018 and 2022, Olli Maatta scored only six goals in the NHL. He has already scored five goals in 53 games this season. Maatta is on track to have the best scoring season of his career. He has amassed 17 points, which is only five away from his career high of 22. Pretty good for a defensive defenseman.

Detroit was quick to lock up Maatta to an extension. They wanted to make sure he didn't hit the open market and became too expensive to re-sign.

2- The Detroit Defense

With Olli Maatta's re-signing made official, the Detroit Red Wings now have four defensemen signed for next season. Jordan Oesterle and Jake Walman are set to become unrestricted free agents.

Maatta's signing signifies that the franchise might move on from his linemate Jordan Oesterle in the offseason. Maatta is the younger option and is having a better season.

3- More cap certainty

The Detroit Red Wings are gearing up for a deep playoff run in the next few years. They want Olli Maatta to be a part of their championship core. Signing Maatta now allows Detroit to focus their efforts on acquiring other positions of need. It also gives them a better idea of how much cap space they will have when free agency starts on July 1.

If Detroit’s young core continues to develop, they could become a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference. The organization has enough prospects and trade assets to make significant upgrades to their roster.

The Detroit Red Wings are currently fifth in the Atlantic Division with a 26-20-8 record and have not qualified for the playoffs since 2016. They are just two points back of the Washington Capitals for the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.