The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded defenseman Olli Maatta to the Chicago Blackhawks for forward Dominik Kahun and a 2019 fifth round pick.
The 24-year old Maatta was drafted 22nd overall in the first round of the 2012 draft. He carries a $4,083,330 for three more years.
The 23-year old Kahun was undrafted and signed by the Blackhawks. He carries a $925,000 salary cap hit and is an RFA after the season.
Thoughts from the media
Cap Friendly: “By trading Maata (4.083M) for Kahun (925k) & a 5th round pick, the #Penguins have added $3.158M in cap space. This trade has increased their projected cap space to $6.375M with a roster of 18 (10F 6D 2G) ”
Puck Pedia: ” 14P in 60GP.
On ice for 53.8% 5v5 GF
52.2% Expected GF
46.5% Corsi
xGF & Corsi +0.1%
-4.4% relative to team
0.65 P/60″
Ben Pope: “Maatta had a down year in 18-19, but he’s still only 24 he’s a left-handed D. He won’t fix the #Blackhawks’ defensive issues, but he’ll help. I imagine Hawks hope that Wedin can come in and fill a similar role to Kahun next season.”
Matt Vensel: Penguins GM Jim Ruther on Kuhan: “Dominik had a great rookie season with the Blackhawks. He is a speedy, versatile player capable of playing all three forward positions. He also saw time on Chicago’s power-play and penalty killing units.”
Matt Vensel: “Olli had a rocky final season here. But as I noted earlier, he is still relatively young and a two-time champion. He works his tail off, too. If he can find a way to keep up with the rest of the NHL, he certainly has a chance to be a top-four guy in Chicago.”
Adam Gretz: “Olli Maatta was better than he got credit for being, but that’s a pretty good trade for the Penguins I think.”
Mark Lazerus: “Maatta’s still young with some upside, but coming off a down year. I liked Kahun’s game a lot, especially his versatility. But the defense had to be addressed, and the only way to do that was via trade, and the Blackhawks have forwards to trade.”
J.D. Burke: “Olli Maatta just had a *really* good season. Cost-controlled, too, at a modest $4M or so annually. Struggling to understand this one for the Penguins.”
Brennan Klak: “I like that deal for Pittsburgh – Kahun is a really smart player and nice depth add for their top 9.”
Olli Maatta
Dominik Kahun