MAATTA MOVED TO LOS ANGELES
The Los Angeles Kings acquired defenseman Olli Maatta from the Chicago Blackhawks for center Brad Morrison.
What does it give the Los Angeles Kings
The Kings were in the market for a veteran top-four rearguard, so they did well to land Maatta--a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017. The young Kings did not give up much here, and even got Chicago to retain $750,108 on Maatta's contract.
What does it give the Chicago Blackhawks
The 'Hawks obviously felt the need to move out a contract in anticipation of the free agency period, which begins later this week. So, they moved Maatta in exchange for a minor-league center in Morrison (who is not going to be a factor at the NHL level). More moves to come.
Fantasy impact
Maatta's role and ice time could increase with the Kings, so he may have sneaky sleeper fantasy value in 2020-21. The Finnish blueliner is a candidate to play alongside Drew Doughty on the top pairing this season.
