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Maatta confirms tumor was cancerous, but ‘that was what we expected’

New York Rangers  v Pittsburgh Penguins - Game Two

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 4: Olli Maatta #3 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the New York Rangers in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 4, 2014 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Jamie Sabau

Until today, the tumor that Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta had removed from his neck was only referred to as “potentially” cancerous.

That’s no longer the case, as Maatta confirmed today that the tumor was, indeed, cancerous.

Try not to be alarmed, though...

Prior to the surgery, the Penguins’ team physician said that even if the tumor was “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 has already returned to practice and is expected to be back in the Penguins’ lineup shortly.