Olli Maatta
Image: OHL

Olli Maatta

Hometown:

Jyvaskyla Finland

Team:

Pittsburgh Penguins

Currently Playing In:

CHL

Birthday:

1994-08-22
Position:

D
Eligible for draft:

2012
Shoots:

Left
Drafted:

2012
Height:

6-2
Acquired:

1st round (22nd overall), 2012
Weight:

206 lbs.
Prospect Talent Score
7.5

About Prospect Talent Score and Probability of Success»

Probability of Success
  • C

History

2009-10: Olli Maatta played for JYP's U-16 squad for most of the season. In 28 games for that team, he scored 15 goals and added 26 assists for 41 points to go along with 32 penalty minutes. In 3 playoff games, Maatta picked up 1 assist.

2010-11: Maatta split the season between the D Team in the Finnish second league, and JYP's U-20 team. In 23 games for the D Team, Maatta scored 1 goal and added 5 assists for 6 points. In 19 games for JYP, he scored 2 goals and added 6 assists for 8 points. In 12 playoff games for JYP, he scored 1 goal and added 4 assists for 5 points. Maata played for Finalnd's entry at the 2011 U-20 World Junior Championship, registering no points in 6 games. Maatta also played for Finalnd at the 2011 U-18 World Junior Championship, scoring 1 goal and adding 3 assists for 4 points in 6 games. Maatta was named a Top 3 Player for his team in this tournament. Maatta was chosen in the first round, 1st overall, of the 2011 CHL Import Draft by the OHL's London Knights. Maatta was also chosen in the fourth round, 85th overall, of the 2011 KHL Draft by SKA St. Petersburg.

2011-12: Maatta spent his first season playing in North America; skating for the OHL's London Knights. He was expected to be a key part of a possible medal run for Finland at the 2012 U20 World Junior Championship but his tournament ended abruptly after an injury in the first game. Maatta was a big part of the success for the Knights, who had the league's best record and faced Niagara in the OHL Finals. Limited to 58 games due to the concussion he suffered in the WJC, Maatta scored 5 goals with 27 assists and was plus-25 with 25 penalty minutes. In 14 playoff games entering the OHL Finals, he scored 5 goals with 14 assists and was plus-11 with 2 penalty minutes. Central Scouting rated Maatta eighth amongst North American Skaters in its final rankings prior to the 2012 NHL Draft.

 

Talent Analysis

The foundation of Maatta's game is built around consistent, non-flashy play that should make him a solid contributor in the NHL for years to come. Though not initially known for his offensive output, Maatta possesses excellent vision, hockey IQ, and puck-distribution ability, leading many to believe he has some untapped offensive potential. But defensive play is what Maatta does best and combined with his mobile skating ability, he should develop into a solid NHL defenseman in the not-too-distant future.

One aspect of his game which needs worked on is his confidence. In his first full season playing in North America, Maatta occasionally found himself over-thinking the play or second-guessing an on-ice decision, occasionally leading to trouble for him and his teammates. As the 2011-12 season progressed however, Maatta's confidence grew.

 

Future

Maatta will rejoin the London Knights for the 2012-13 season where he will take on greater minutes and responsibilities. Ultimately he projects as a two-way defenseman who can play top-four minutes in a shutdown role.

 

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