The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that defenceman Kris Letang is in COVID protocol. The former all-star will not be available to play against the Toronto Maple Leafs this Saturday, and his status beyond this game is unkown.
Kris Letang in COVID Protocol
Only hours before puck drop at the PPG Paints Arena, it was announced that Letang would not be available for the Penguins’ game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Letang has been great so far this season. He has registered four assists in four games for the team. Letang joins a long list of Penguins out of the lineup, including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, and Jeff Carter.
The 34-year-old has been a part of the Pittsburgh Penguins his entire career and has been their franchise defenceman for most of that time. He was drafted by the team 62nd overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Letang is coming off of another successful season which saw him produce 45 points in 55 games. The Montreal native is a six-time NHL All-Star and three-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Penguins. He is also a two-time World Junior champion representing Team Canada. Throughout his career, Letang has received several Norris votes.
What it Means For The Penguins
With Kris Letang out for the Penguins, fellow defenceman John Marino looks poised to see an increased role both at even strength and on the power play. It is unclear as to how long Letang will be out and what the specific reason for his absence is. Penguins’ coach Mike Sullivan said that Letang did have a positive test, but is waiting to confirm the results. He will miss at least one game.
Despite an abundance of injuries to key players, the Penguins have surprisingly managed to go 2-0-2 to start the season. They will look to get another win against the Maple Leafs tonight.
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