Penguins’ defenseman Olli Maatta successfully underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his thyroid gland Tuesday. Maatta is expected to have a complete recovery and miss about four weeks of playing time.
The tumor was first diagnosed in preseason physicals. He had been playing with the condition and missed his first game Tuesday night against the Minnesota Wild. It is not yet known if the tumor was cancerous. That testing will be availing in 7-10 days.
“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, team physician.
UPMC head and neck surgeon Dr. Robert Ferris performed the surgery. Maatta did not travel with the team to Minnesota. The Penguins are on a five-game road trip, their longest of the season.
Robert Bortuzzo replaced Maatta in the lineup on Tuesday night. Through ten games, Maatta has a goal and five assists, and is a plus-1.
Photo credit: NHL
