Penguins' Maatta awaiting clearance for contact after offseason shoulder surgery

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta is waiting for official medical clearance after undergoing shoulder surgery back in May. A new medical report on his status is expected to drop Wednesday or Thursday, possibly clearing him for contact prior to the start of training camp.

Head coach Mike Johnston is hopeful the 20-year-old will be good to go on opening night.

“Once he can take contact,” Johnston told the Tribune-Review. “It's in (trainer Chris Stewart's) hands and in Olli's hands.”

The procedure traditionally carries a four- to six-month recovery period.