The Pittsburgh Penguins need a difference making defenseman. And fast!
Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta underwent successful hand surgery today.
Maatta is expected to be out of the lineup for six weeks, after injuring his left hand in Thursday's game against Winnipeg.
Maatta's name has been linked in trade rumors to Buffalo and Colorado. Prior to the injury to Maatta's hand, Pens GM Jim Rutherford was looking to add a scoring power forward. You can read that as Evander Kane or Matt Duchene. In recent weeks, Mike Sullivan has seen injuries to go-to wingers Connor Sheary, Brian Rust and Carl Hagelin.
Maatta may still be in play in terms of being a trade target despite having a jacked up paw. I would make a trade for Maatta in a heartbeat if I were Sabres GM Tim Murray. He's a left shot D who would look tremendous riding alongside fellow Finn D sensation Rasmus Ristolainen.
Maatta is presently ranked sixth in the Pens blue line with 18:01 TOI per game. He has one goal and six assists in 54 games played.
Maatta has 71 hits, 101 blocked shots and 63 shots on goal this season.
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