Apr 21, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman
Olli Maatta(3) fires the puck up ice against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Ollie Maatta Will Be a Norris Trophy Candidate
Olli Maatta had the most disappointing sophomore season that you can imagine. He started out well while showing no signs of a sophomore slump, but then was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his neck and then sidelined for the year due to a shoulder injury.
However, things are looking up for the young defenseman.
I often refer to Maatta as Paul Martin 2.0, but he has something that Martin doesn’t. Maatta’s youth and deceptive quickness is something that’s very underrated and often overlooked. He’s extremely smart for his age and is capable of contributing on the offensive side of the puck as well as playing shutdown D.
Another underrated aspect of Olli Maatta is his competitiveness. You won’t hear me cite intangibles very often but after battling injuries early in his career and having a cancerous tumor removed from his neck, Maatta continued to strive with the Pens. No matter what comes this kid’s way, he continues to deliver.
I look for big things from Olli Maatta in 2015-16, and while his point totals likely won’t reach those of defensemen like Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson, his combination of defensive play and offensive contributions should have him in the Norris conversation. Again, these are big expectations to put on Maatta after almost a full year off the ice, but the usual suspects that populate the Norris race better watch out for Olli Maatta as a dark horse.
Next: Chris Kunitz Will Score 25 Goals