from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

Maatta is a defensive defenseman who isn't going to overwhelm anyone with his statistics, although with four goals and 12 assists (16 points), he's enjoying his best offensive season since 2017-18 in Pittsburgh, when he had 29 points.

Whatever expectations the organization had for Maatta, it's likely he's bested them by miles.

"Surpassed mine," Lalonde said. "I appreciated him as a player, seeing him around the league, but having him every day, he has an unbelievable work ethic. He's a pro. He comes to practice every day, takes his reps seriously, and it translates into his game. He's just a great pro, a real good NHL defenseman who has helped us a ton."

With the Wings teetering between contending for the playoffs and falling too far behind, it's still unclear what Yzerman will do before or at the March 3 trade deadline....

Maatta has found this season to be enjoyable on and off the ice.

"It's a good fit; I'd definitely love to stay here," Maatta said. "You're always trying to make a home base for yourself and getting comfortable after the last couple of years (playing in Chicago and Los Angeles) moving from different places every year, it felt like. It's not easy.

"I've really liked it here, the atmosphere, the guys in the room, and the organization. The city is awesome. It would be nice, but you never know what'll happen. I've seen it before. It's nothing against you (if a trade happens). It just happens."

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