"It feels awesome," Maatta told the Penguins website. "I'm really happy I signed a long deal and I'm happy to be part of this organization."

The Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday signed defenseman Olli Maatta to a six-year, $24.5 million contract, the team announced.

Maatta would have been eligible to become a restricted free agent July 1. The contract includes a limited no-trade clause over the final two seasons, ESPN.com reported.

Maatta, 21, has six goals and 16 points in 53 games this season, playing mostly alongside Kris Letang on Pittsburgh's top defensive pairing.

"I think it's great for Pittsburgh's organization and great for Olli," coach Mike Sullivan said. "We really value him as a player."

The Penguins selected Maatta with the 22nd pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. He set career highs as a rookie in 2013-14 with nine goals and 29 points in 78 games.

A shoulder injury and surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his thyroid gland limited Maatta to 20 games last season (one goal, nine points).