The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that defenseman Kris Letang would be out indefinitely after suffering a stroke Monday. Letang will undergo further evaluation, but the team reports that he is not currently experiencing any lasting effects, and does not expect his status to affect his career long-term.
Kris Letang is out indefinitely after suffering a stroke on Monday.
Letang is not experiencing any lasting effects of the stroke and will continue to undergo a series of tests over the next week. https://t.co/dQeKuhrBH2
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 30, 2022
Pittsburgh Penguins Defenceman Kris Letang Out Indefinitely After Stroke
So far this season, Letang has scored 1 goal and 11 assists for 12 points to go along with 8 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 54.47 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 13.86. Over his 17-year NHL career, Letang has been a career player for the Penguins, initially drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2005 NHL Draft, going 62nd overall. He has 145 goals and 517 assists for 662 career points in 962 career games. He holds the franchise records among defensemen for goals, assists, points, and both regular-season and playoff appearances, and led the Penguins to three Stanley Cup Championships.
Looking Forward to Recovery
Letang missed two months of playing time in 2014 due to a previous stroke. In his statement released alongside the team’s, The veteran player said, “I am fortunate to know my body well enough to recognize when something isn’t right. While it is difficult to navigate this issue publicly, I am hopeful it can raise awareness. It is important for me that my teammates, family, and fans know that I am okay. I am optimistic that I will be back on the ice soon.”
General Manager Ron Hextall echoed the player’s statement after Kris Letang stroke, stating: “The test results were shocking to hear, but we are grateful Kris is doing well…He is a warrior on the ice, but first and foremost, he is a son, father, husband, and friend. His health is our number one priority.” Speaking to the press this morning, Hextall reported that this episode is less severe than Letang’s previous stroke in 2014, and that “everything was looking as positive as it could be.” Letang leaves a massive hole in this Pittsburgh team as a veteran leader and alternate captain, but fans should be reassured of the long-term health of an NHL favourite.
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