General manager Jim Rutherford announced Friday that the Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Olli Maatta to a six-year contract extension.
Beginning in the 2016-17 season and running through the 2021-22 season, the contract has an average annual value of $4.083 million.
Drafted in the 2013-14 season, the Finland native was the No. 22 pick overall. Maatta was drafted alongside Derek Pouliot. His first season Maatta earned the Rookie of the Year award with the Penguins, making him the second highest rookie scorer with nine goals, compared to Zarley Zalapski. He ended his first season with 20 assists and 29 points overall.
During the 2014-15 season Maatta was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor that had to be surgically removed, as well as a shoulder injury, causing him to only play 20 games that season. In the games that he was able to play, Maatta was able to score nine goals.
Maatta has only played in one NHL playoff season so far, 2013-14, with four assists and was plus-two in 13 contests. He has also participated in the 2014 Olympics, playing for Finland, where he tied for second on his team having scored three goals in six games.
As of February 26, Maatta ranks fifth in games played among defensemen in the 2012 NHL draft, and fourth in points also among defensemen drafted in 2012.
So far this season Maatta is paired with defenseman Kris Letang, making the duo the Penguins top defensive pair. Overall in his NHL career Maatta has 16 points, with six goals and 10 assists. He is the third-highest among all NHL blueliners and is plus-18.
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
