Olli Maatta Skating Just One Week After Surgery To Remove Tumor
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - The timeline set for Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta to return from surgery to remove a tumor on his thyroid gland was originally 4-6 weeks. Now, just seven days after the successful surgery, Maatta was spotted on the ice skating again.
As CBSSports.com Hockey Writer Chris Peters writes, Maatta was seen skating by himself at Madison Square Garden before the Pens faced the Rangers Tuesday night.
To be clear, Maatta isn't ready to return yet, but seeing him on the ice just seven days after surgery is surely a good sign.
Maatta's surgeon, Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, the Penguins' team physician released this statement following the surgery.
"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."
Update: Maatta's tumor was found to be cancerous, but head coach Mike Johnston said on Thursday that the defenseman could be ready for game action in 5 to 6 days.
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