Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) – Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli
Maatta underwent successful surgery Tuesday to remove a tumor in his thyroid
gland.
Surgery on the tumor, which could’ve been a form of low-grade thyroid cancer,
was performed by UPMC head and neck surgeon Dr. Robert Ferris. Tests to
determine whether the tumor is malignant are ongoing, with the results due
back within 7-to-10 days.
Maatta, 20, is expected to return to the lineup within the next four weeks.
“Even if it is found to be cancerous, we do not expect that he will need
radiation or chemotherapy, and we anticipate a complete recovery,” said Dr.
Dharmesh Vyas, the Penguins’ team physician. “The surgery went well and Olli
is resting comfortably.”
Maatta has one goal and five assists in 10 games this season. The Finn was
selected No. 22 overall in the 2012 draft and posted nine goals and 29 points
in 78 games as a rookie last season.
