Breaking Down The Biggest Questions That Remain For Each Penguins’ Defenseman

Olli Maatta

May 13, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta (3) shoots the puck against the New York Rangers during the second period in game seven of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Rangers won 2-1 and took the series 4 games to 3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Olli Maatta, the most promising young Penguin from last season. He not only was able to make the roster despite being 19-years-old, but became a starting defenseman. Early in the season, he was only on the ice as part of the third pair, but as the season – and injuries – progressed, Maatta found himself with more and more ice-time.

Even at 19-years-young, the injury bug eventually bit Maatta towards the end of the season. It was announced that he was sidelined by an upper-body injury. Any avid NHL fan can tell you that there is no real way to determine what his injury was, but Maatta was able to return for the playoffs. However, after the playoffs concluded, Maatta underwent shoulder surgery, which has him scheduled to be out for four-to-six months.

The biggest question Maatta faces is not only when he will be ready to resume playing, but how effective he will be after he comes back? It usually takes players quite some time to fully recover from such a serious injury, and Maatta should not be rushed back.

Presently, Maatta is the most promising defenseman in the Penguins’ system, and has an incredibly bright future ahead of him. Only time will tell if he is able to quickly recover from surgery, and resume his developmental process.