Penguins could have Maatta back within next month

Defenseman Olli Maatta is continuing a rehab program on his upper body injury and is expected to return to the lineup within the next month, Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Jim Rutherford said today.

Maatta’s rehab program was set back briefly by his bout with the mumps.

Maatta, 20, has not played since December 6 vs. Ottawa. He has one goal and eight assists for nine points in 20 games this season.

Earlier this season he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his neck.