For a team whose roster has been decimated by injuries all season long, the Pittsburgh Penguins received uplifting news from general manager Ray Shero.
Defenseman Kris Letang will return to action Wednesday night when his team squares off against the Detroit Red Wings at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
The 26-year-old Montreal native was forced out of the Pens’ lineup 10 weeks ago when it was revealed he had suffered a stroke.
Letang was cleared by doctors weeks ago and has been participating in full contact practices with the team since March 17.
Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero on Letang’s return:
“We have assurance, and he has assurance, that hockey did not cause the stroke. Playing tonight versus playing in October or 10 years from now isn’t going to change that…He’s at no further risk to suffer a stroke playing hockey than going to the grocery store. It was his choice on when to return. He’s been bugging me for a while to play.”
While there is much excitement surrounding the situation and deservedly so, Shero understands the team has to remain cautious and realizes that expectations must be tempered.
“We know that a healthy Kris Letang makes us better, but we’ll wait and see…Kris has been through a traumatic event. I don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.”
Letang last played on Jan. 27. He recorded 10 goals and eight assists in 34 games with the Penguins and is a minus six this season.
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