The Utah Hockey Club signed Olli Maatta to a three-year contract extension Monday, rewarding the Finnish defenseman for helping the team stay on the edge of playoff race in the Western Conference. It is worth $10.5 million, according to a person with knowledge of the contract. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because financial terms were not announced. Maatta will count $3.5 million against the salary cap from when the new deal kicks in next NHL season through 2027-28. “Olli is a smart defenseman and a true professional on and off the ice,” general manager Bill Armstrong said in a statement. “He has brought stability to our blue line, has a tremendous work ethic and is an excellent role model for our younger players. We look forward to having him as an important part of our core moving forward.” Maatta, 30, has thrived in 51 games with Utah since coming over in a trade from Detroit in late October. Maatta has two goals and 12 assists for 14 points. He has skated an average of nearly 21 minutes a game. “Olli has made an immediate and noticeable impact and a positive impression on everyone in