The Pittsburgh Penguins star defenseman Kris Letang will miss about two weeks according to head coach, Mike Sullivan.
The @penguins‘ Kris Letang will be out “a few weeks” with a lower-body injury. https://t.co/b4M3lXkAZ6
— NHL (@NHL) December 15, 2016
Kris Letang Sustains Lower-Body Injury, Out For Two Weeks
Letang played the whole game Wednesday against the Boston Bruins, but did not skate during the Penguins practice Thursday; after which Sullivan confirmed that Letang is expected to miss a couple of weeks with an undisclosed lower-body injury.
Letang is working on another good season in the Steel City. He has so far amassed 19 points in his 25 games. His is also the Penguins while runaway leader with more than 26 minutes of ice time per game.
The injury likely comes with some concerns for the team though. This is the second injury to Letang this season. Early in the season he missed five games. This has been a problem for the defenseman throughout his career. He has only once played a full 82-game season in 11-seasons. He has missed more than 13 games on average per season in his career.
Replacement Options
Sullivan didn’t give any hints to his plans for replacing Letang. The injury likely elevates Letang regular partner, Brian Dumoulin to the Penguins number one defenseman for the time being. There are several options for his partner. He could be paired up with Trevor Daley whom he spent extensive time with last season. Another option is to have offensively skilled Justin Schultz take his place.
This also looks like a chance for the Penguins top prospect Derrick Pouliot to get an extended look in the NHL.
Main Photo:
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 12: Pittsburgh Penguins Defenceman Kris Letang (58) skates during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Arizona Coyotes on December 12, 2016, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Penguins shutout the Coyotes 7-0. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
