After a tough first pro year with Utah, Matikka was an early cut from camp and will head to Tucson. There he will hopefully see a bigger role with the team. A year of pro under his belt now will help Matikka and he should show more offense than in 2024-25.

In his first season with the Utah Mammoth organization, Matikka split the season with their minor league affiliates, the ECHL’s Allen Americans and Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League. He began the 2024-25 season with the Roadrunners before being sent to the ECHL on February 12, 2025. With the Americans, he played 25 games and recorded 12 points (five goals and seven assists). Matikka only contributed two assists in 25 games with Tucson. The 21-year-old forward is well off the fantasy radar and does not need to be rostered until he shows significant improvement in his development. If he can grow his game over the next two seasons, he could earn his second NHL contract and become a bottom-six forward option for the Mammoth; if he does not, he could be a player who ends up heading back to Europe to further his career.

In a surprise move, Matikka will leave Denver and sign his entry-level contract with the Utah Hockey Club. After a successful freshman campaign at Denver, the future potential power forward seemed ready for the next challenge.

Matikka had a very successful freshman year at Denver. Matikka had 20 goals and 33 points in 43 games, helping Denver bring home a NCAA championship. He was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team and All-Tournament Team. Matikka will be back at Denver for 2024-25, where he will continue working on his power forward game and improving his speed and skating.

In the midst of a very strong freshman campaign at University of Denver, Matikka picked up his fourth NCHC Rookie of the Week award of the season. After a little bit of a slow start in college, Matikka has been on fire of late. He currently ranks second on the Pioneers and tied for first among freshman in the country with 14 goals. He also has six assists for 20 points, tied for sixth on DU. Each of Matikka’s 14 goals have come in the last 14 games and he has recorded at least a point in 14 of the past 15 contests. He’s currently on a three-game goal streak, three goals and two assists.