The Pittsburgh Penguins announced earlier today that sophomore defenseman Olli Maatta is to undergo surgery to remove a tumor from his neck and that may be a low-grade form of thyroid cancer.

Olli Maatta to undergo surgery for tumor. Release: http://t.co/P6WpGDN449 — Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 27, 2014

Here’s some details, via the Penguins official website:

“Olli will have surgery to remove the tumor,” said Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, the Penguins’ team physician. “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. In all likelihood, Olli will go on to live a healthy life and this should not affect his ability to play hockey long-term.”

Maatta will be eligible to play until the surgery and is likely looking at a four-week recovery time.

Maatta: “I don’t feel any different. I feel healthy. I feel fine. It’s tough news. But it hasn’t affected me much.” — Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_Trib) October 27, 2014

“Obviously our first concern is for Olli and his health,” Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said. “He is an outstanding young man and has a tremendous future ahead of him. The doctors tell us that this is a very treatable condition, and that it can be taken care of with the surgery. The Penguins organization will be there for him and support him every step of the way.”

Playing in just his second NHL season, Maatta has one goal and four assists for five points in seven games, including two points in the past two games. He is averaging 20:12 of ice time.

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