The Penguins signed defenseman Olli Maatta to a six-year contract extension yesterday. The $24.5-million deal, which starts next season, will pay Maatta an average annual salary of $4.083 million through 2021-22.
A bold move for a team more noted for trading young players than developing them.
“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.”
Regarded as the Pens’ steadiest defenseman, Maatta initially drew the attention of scouts sent to watch his London Knights teammate, Scott Harrington. Encouraged by glowing reports, then-Pens GM Ray Shero selected the baby-faced Finn with the 22nd overall pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.
Maatta burst onto the scene as a 19 year old in 2013-14 and immediately earned praise for his preternaturally cool and heady play. However, after capturing the Michel Briere Memorial Trophy as the team’s best rookie, the youngster was plagued by health issues, including two shoulder surgeries and a bout with thyroid cancer.
Healthy once again after missing all but 20 games last season, Maatta has teamed with All-Star Kris Letang to form a potent top-pairing. The 6’2” 206-pounder’s tallied six goals and 10 assists in 53 games. He leads all black-and-gold defensemen with a plus-18.
“We really value him as a player,” coach Mike Sullivan said.
Malkin, Bonino to Play
Centers Evgeni Malkin and Nick Bonino are set to return to the lineup when the Penguins take on Winnipeg at the CONSOL this afternoon. Malkin has missed the past 10 games with a lower-body ailment. Bonino’s been out since January 12 with a hand injury.
To make room, center Oskar Sundqvist was returned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Thursday.
During his 10 games with the Penguins, Sundqvist earned positive reviews for his solid all-around play. The rangy rookie registered his first NHL point—an assist—during the second period of Wednesday night’s 5-1 loss to Boston.
Deadline Whispers
With Ben Lovejoy likely out for the season, GM Jim Rutherford is intent on adding a defenseman before Monday’s NHL trade deadline, reports Jonathan Bombulie of the Tribune Review.
Bombulie mentioned Calgary’s Kris Russell, an undersized defender known for his supreme mobility and shot-blocking prowess, as a potential target. Presently nursing a lower-body injury, Russell earns $2.6M.
Other names suggested? Edmonton’s flashy but erratic Justin Schultz and Mt. Lebanon-native Matt Bartkowski (Vancouver).
Ex-Pens on the Move
In a surprising swap of former Penguins defensemen, Chicago acquired Christian Ehrhoff from Los Angeles yesterday in exchange for Rob Scuderi. Each had been waived by his former team and was playing in the AHL—Ehrhoff for the Ontario Reign and Scuderi for the Rockford IceHogs.
Bathgate Passes Away
Andy Bathgate, the Hall-of-Fame right wing who scored the first goal in Penguins history, passed away yesterday. He was 83 years old.
A former Hart Trophy winner whose wicked slap shot persuaded goalies like Jacques Plante to don a mask, Bathgate was in the twilight of a distinguished career when the Pens selected him in the penultimate round of the 1967 Expansion Draft.
Reborn in the Steel City, the Winnipeg native led the (then) Columbia blue and navy in scoring with 59 points—tops among expansion players. After skating two seasons for Vancouver of the Western Hockey League, he returned to the Pens in 1970-71 at the age of 38 and tallied 15 goals and 44 points.
“He was the best 19th-round draft choice in sports history,” former Pens GM Jack Riley said.
Hey Rick,
This could be JR’s best move yet ! Six years at 4.083 million for a young D-man with so much upside potential … plus 6’2″, 205 to 210 pounds,good size and skates well.Plays both ends of the rink. Years 4,5,and 6 of his contract will look like a bargain for the Pen’s. JR did a great job on this one.
We pay Letang 7.3 million a year and in two years from now, Maatta could be BETTER than Letang as a true two way d-man, if we let him play.
That is saying a lot!
Jim