A quintessential role player, Latta is a gritty wing whose job mainly consists of delivering hits, being responsible defensively and, when called upon, standing up for teammates. At 6 feet and 207 pounds, Latta is not the biggest player to serve in that role, but he is willing and able to fill it.

A third-round pick (No. 72) of the Nashville Predators in the 2009 NHL Draft, Latta was traded with Martin Erat to the Washington Capitals on April 3, 2013, for Filip Forsberg. He made his NHL debut in the Capitals' season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 1, 2013, and had one shot, one hit and three faceoff wins over 6:04 of ice time. Latta got his first NHL point with an assist on Nov. 2, 2013, against the Florida Panthers in his fourth NHL game. His first NHL goal tied the score in the third period against the Detroit Red Wings on Nov. 15, 2013 before the Capitals won in a shootout.

Still a rookie for the 2014-15 season, Latta led first-year Capitals with 80 penalty minutes and 91 hits that season. Despite finishing 19th among Washington skaters in ice time (444 minutes), Latta was tied for ninth on the Capitals in hits and second in fighting majors (eight).

Latta made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut in Game 1 of Washington's first-round series with the New York Islanders in 2014. He played four games in the seven-game series.

Latta was second on the Capitals in 2015-16 with eight fighting majors despite playing just 43 games. He became a free agent and signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings on July 1, 2016.

Prior to his NHL career, Latta served as co-captain for Guelph of the Ontario Hockey League in 2010-11. He ranked ninth in the league with 89 points, was tied for fifth with 55 assists and was fourth with 158 penalty minutes.

In 2011-12 he had 14 goals and 28 points for Milwaukee of the American Hockey League and was one of three AHL rookies to have at least 25 points and 100 penalty minutes.