And he’s still only 23
Moments of note in Olli Maatta’s still brief Penguins career:
June 22, 2012: Just 17, he is selected in the first round (22nd overall) by the Penguins in the NHL Entry Draft. Coincidentally, the draft is held at PPG Paints Arena, where 15 months later he will make his NHL home. Oct. 3, 2013: Makes his NHL debut in a 3-0 win vs. New Jersey. Oct. 8, 2013: Scores the first points of his NHL career, assisting on two goals by Jussi Jokinen in the Penguins’ 5–2 win vs. the Carolina Hurricanes.
Oct. 19, 2013: Scores his first NHL goal, beating Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo.
Feb. 7-23, 2014: Despite being only 19, plays for Finland’s Olympic team in the Sochi Games and helps it earn a bronze medal.
Oct. 27, 2014: It is announced the he will undergo surgery to have a tumor removed from his neck.
Nov. 18, 2014: Just two weeks after surgery, he returns to the lineup.
Dec. 6, 2014: His right shoulder is injured — an injury that requires seasonending surgery.
June 12, 2016: Earns his first Stanley Cup ring, averaging about 18 minutes of ice time in the Penguins’ postseason run.
Feb. 17, 2017: Breaks his hand and will miss six weeks, but returns in time to play in 25 postseason games, registering eight points including two goals.
June 11, 2017: At age 22, he earns his second Stanley Cup ring. Nov. 4, 2017: Enters the Penguins 16th game of the 2017-18 season in Vancouver with nine points — second among team defensemen.