The Pens' defenseman is just 35 years of age, and suffering two strokes at such a young age is rather uncommon. Concern over Letang's playing career naturally grew after the fact, but the latest on the matter suggests those may be premature.
According to TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun, Letang's stroke suffered on Wednesday wasn't near as serious as the one suffered in 2014. LeBrun also suggested that Letang is expected to return this season, as the tests he has undergone so far have come back positive.
This is incredible news for Letang, the Penguins, and just fans everywhere. Letang is one of those guys who makes the NHL and its product better, plus - on the human side of things - you can't help but root for a guy like him.
A timeline has yet to be made public for Letang's return, so until then let's just hope his recovery goes smoothly. Meanwhile, the Penguins sit 4th in the Metropolitan Division. Currently 12-8-4, Pittsburgh doesn't have the luxury of leaving points on the board, so Letang's return is a priority.
That said, do they rush him back? Does he rush himself back? Ideally not, but it does happen.
POLL | ||
DÉCEMBRE 2 | 163 ANSWERS Pierre LeBrun Provides Encouraging News on Kris Letang Will the Penguins make the playoffs or miss for the first time since '05-06? | ||
They will make the playoffs | 73 | 44.8 % |
They will miss the playoffs | 53 | 32.5 % |
See results | 37 | 22.7 % |
LIST OF POLLS |
G | A | PTS | ||
Nino Niederreiter | 1 | - | 1 | |
Noel Acciari | - | - | - | |
Mason Appleton | - | - | - | |
Morgan Barron | - | - | - | |
Anthony Beauvillier | - | - | - | |
Michael Bunting | - | - | - | |
Kyle Connor | - | - | - | |
Sidney Crosby | - | - | - | |
Dylan DeMelo | - | - | - | |
Nikolaj Ehlers | - | - | - | |
Haydn Fleury | - | - | - | |
Matthew Grzelcyk | - | - | - | |
Connor Hellebuyck | - | - | - | |
Alex Iafallo | - | - | - | |
Tristan Jarry | - | - | - | |
Erik Karlsson | - | - | - | |
Rasmus Kupari | - | - | - | |
Kristopher Letang | - | - | - | |
Adam Lowry | - | - | - | |
Evgeni Malkin | - | - | - | |
Complete stats |
STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 19 | 16 | 3 | - | 32 | |
Wild | 19 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 29 | |
Hurricanes | 19 | 14 | 5 | - | 28 | |
Devils | 22 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 28 | |
Capitals | 19 | 13 | 5 | 1 | 27 | |
Golden Knights | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Maple Leafs | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Rangers | 18 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 25 | |
Panthers | 20 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 25 | |
Flames | 20 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 25 | |
Conference | Cumulative |