Chicago Blackhawks/Pittsburgh Penguins: Dominik Kahun for Olli Maatta

What do the Chicago Blackhawks get in Määtta?

Olli Määtta is a Finnish defenseman, who put up a goal and 13 assists in 60 games last year for the Penguins. The Blackhawks get a solid two-way defenseman. Määtta has a good first pass, but his shot could use some work (in terms of power). He is described as a puck-mover with a very high hockey IQ. Määtta also is a left-handed defenseman, which the Blackhawks need. He is inconsistent in the defensive zone, sometimes he is great (116 blocked shots) and other times he is a turnstile, turning over the puck constantly (42 times).

His skating is the main issue. I like to describe Määtta"s skating as the following, “skating in quicksand." He is very slow, and with all of his injuries, it"s understandable. His stride is decent, but his speed, edge work, and acceleration are huge drawbacks.

Määtta has the ability to be a top-four defenseman, he just needs the right staff to help him. I believe the Blackhawks can help him, and he is still just 24 years of age. He can play on both the penalty kill and power play if needed.

What are the Pittsburgh Penguins getting in Dominik Kahun?

Dominik Kahun is a 23-year-old German winger, who put up 13 goals and 24 assists in 82 games last season. The Penguins get a great two-way forward. Kahun is a great playmaker in the offensive zone. He is an excellent passer, but his shot could use some work. His top speed is exceptional, but it takes him quite a while to get to it. Kahun is not very strong on his skates either. He is acceptable in the defensive zone where he never takes a shift off. He always tries and never gives up. Not to mention he only had six penalty minutes as a rookie! It took him 60 games to record a single penalty minute. All-in-all, Kahun is a great top nine player.

Kahun, can play in almost any situation at any time. He spent time on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th lines last season while also playing on the penalty kill and power play.

Conclusion

Time will tell who won this trade, but as it stands, I believe the Penguins ultimately will. If Dominik Kubalik can take the role of Dominik Kahun and Olli Määtta can be that top four defensemen that the ‘Hawks need, it could be a huge win. But that"s a lot of “ifs" and we will just have to wait until next season starts to see if any of those ifs pan out.

Stats from: Elite Prospects and Hockey-Reference

Special thanks to: The Upper Bowl

Photo credit to: Getty Images

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