Penguins' Maatta to undergo surgery to remove tumor, expected to make full recovery

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Monday that defenseman Olli Maatta will undergo surgery next week to remove a tumor from his neck that may contain a form of low-grade thyroid cancer.

The 20-year-old Maatta is expected to make a full recovery after four weeks, and has been cleared to play up until the surgery takes place. 

From team physician Dr. Dharmesh Vyas via the Penguins' official website: 

Olli will have surgery to remove the tumor. 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.