Olli Määttä, once a Penguins teen star, says Ben Kindel’s experience is invaluable. Määttä, now 31, reflects on his journey in the NHL, having been traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins team that drafted him in 2012. He shares insights on the importance of learning from the masters, like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, and how their presence can shape a young player's career. Määttä emphasizes the value of resilience and positivity, drawing from his own experiences with health issues and trades. He believes that Kindel, a 19-year-old rookie, can benefit from the lessons he learned during his time in Pittsburgh. Määttä's perspective highlights the transformative power of mentorship and the impact it can have on a player's development, both on and off the ice. Additionally, the article mentions Aleksander Barkov's impressive performance at the World Championship, showcasing his resilience and skill despite missing an entire season due to injury. Barkov's presence and performance serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the potential for a player to excel even after significant setbacks.
