Penguins' Olli Maatta: Ready for regular season

The Penguins are looking for Maatta to take his game to another level in 2016-17. "He played top-four minutes most of the year for us as a 21-year-old," coach Mike Sullivan told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I think that speaks volumes for how the coaching staff feels about him as a player and a person. He's got great hockey sense. He's very competitive. We're constantly striving to get better, and as young as Olli is, we think his game can get to another level."

Analysis:

Maatta just finished up in the World Cup of Hockey, where he led all Finnish defensemen in playing time. The 22-year-old has endured a series of injuries and health issues -- including a thyroid tumor, the mumps, and two shoulder surgeries -- since his rookie season, but is ready to step up his game. "I want to be a big part of this team," Maatta said. "But we have a great 'D' group. It's not easy. You have to earn it. If you don't, there's always somebody who's going to step up. I think that's what's good about us. Our depth is so good that there's always a next guy up." He collected nine goals and 29 points in 78 games as a 19-year-old rookie, but most recently scored only six goals and 19 points in 67 contests.