Kris Letang will be out indefinitely for the Pittsburgh Penguins after he had a stroke.
The Penguins said the 35-year-old defenseman is not experiencing any lasting effects of the stroke but will have tests over the next week. The condition is not believed to be career threatening.
Letang did not practice Tuesday and was scratched prior to a 3-2 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
“Kris reported symptoms to the training staff on Monday and was immediately taken to the hospital for testing,” Penguins general manager Ron Hextall said Wednesday. “The test results were shocking to hear, but we are grateful that Kris is doing well. We are thankful to the medical staff and the physicians at UMPC. 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.
“When [Penguins coach Mike Sullivan] came into the locker room last night to let the team know, Kris came into the room. He wants to assure everybody that he’s doing as well as possible… Thus far, everything is looking as positive as it could be.”
Letang previously was out more than two months during the 2013-14 season when he had a stroke. Tests revealed that he was born with a very small hole in the wall of his heart, which typically closes on its own in most people.
“I’m shocked at how well he’s doing emotionally and how well he seems to be taking it,” Hextall said. “This is much less severe than what happened eight years ago. There’s a lot of comfort in that.”
Since returning, Letang has played in 543 regular-season games and 69 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
“I am fortunate to know my body well enough to recognize when something isn’t right,” Letang said. “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 the fans know that I am okay. I am optimistic that I will be back on the ice soon.” “
Letang leads the Penguins in ice time per game (23:54) and has 12 points (one goal, 11 assists) in 21 games this season.
He has played 17 seasons with Pittsburgh and ranks first among defensemen in games (962), goals (145), assists (517) and points (662).
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