via Sam Kasan of PittsburghPenguins.com,

Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta rejoined the team for practice Thursday afternoon at the MCC Centre, just 10 days after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor on his thyroid gland.

“It was cancerous, but that was to be expected,” Maatta said. “It doesn’t change anything. That’s what it looked like before the surgery.”

Maatta took part in the majority of the drills at practice. While he’s eager to get back in the lineup, the team is being cautious.

“I want to come back (Friday),” Maatta said with a smile. “I have to make sure I’m 100 percent and can help the team win when I come back.”

Penguins head coach Mike Johnston expects Maatta to return sooner than later.

“If he reacts positive to the skate today and the doctors take a look at him over the next day or so,” Johnston said after practice, “he could be back in the next 5-6 days.”

“I didn’t do anything for 10 days because of the surgery, but I’m getting better every day. My body feels pretty good,” Maatta said.