35-Year-Old NHL Defenseman Kris Letang Suffers Stroke, Out Indefinitely

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is out indefinitely after suffering a stroke on Monday, the team announced.

The 35-year-old is not experiencing any lasting effects of the stroke and his “condition is not believed to be career-threatening.”

Letang contacted chief sports trainer Chris Stewart on Monday, stating that he was experiencing a migraine and general malaise.

Head team doctor Dr. Dharmesh Vyas ordered the defenseman to be rushed to the hospital after hearing about his symptoms.

“Kris reported symptoms to the training staff on Monday and was immediately taken to the hospital for testing,” said General Manager Ron Hextall.

“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 UPMC. 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.”

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

This is the second stroke the defenseman has suffered during his career.

In 2014, Letang missed over two months due to a stroke.

During that time period, testing revealed that he was born with a very small hole in the wall of his heart.

Since his initial stroke eight years ago, he has played 543 regular-season games and made 69 playoff appearances.

From NHL.com:

“I am fortunate to know my body well enough to recognize when something isn’t right,” said Letang. “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.”

The 6-foot, 201-pound defenseman has one goal and 12 points in 21 games this season. He leads the team in time on ice with 23:54.

The Montreal, Quebec native has played his entire 17-year career with Pittsburgh, recording 662 points (145G-517A) in 962 regular-season games. He is the team’s all-time leader among defensemen in regular-season and playoff games played, goals, assists and points, and has helped the team to three Stanley Cup Championships (2009, ’16, ’17).

Mike Sullivan, the team’s head coach, addressed the media on Wednesday to provide updates on Letang’s status.

“We are all concerned for Kris because we care about him. Stroke is a scary word,” Coach Sullivan said.

“After the game last night, I informed the players of Kris’ circumstance. He was with me when I did. It was important for Kris to be there because his teammates got to see him in good spirits and that he’s doing well,” he added.

“I think when something like this arises, it certainly puts things in perspective for all of us,” Sullivan continued.

“We love the game. We compete hard. We live and die with winning and losing every night. But at the end of the day, we care about people, and he’s a guy that I think means a lot to our team.”

WATCH:

Earlier today, Coach Sullivan spoke to the media and answered questions about Kris Letang. pic.twitter.com/QQNgIT0lDa

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 30, 2022