COLUMBUS, OHIO - APRIL 13: Kris Letang #58 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on during at stoppage in play in the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on April 13, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio.

Letang undergoes heart surgery

1 year ago
Jason Mowry / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang underwent surgery to close a patent foramen ovale, repairing a small hole in his heart, the team announced Wednesday.

The expected recovery period is four-to-six weeks. The Penguins have one game remaining this season.

Letang has dealt with various health issues throughout his career, including multiple strokes. He played a full 82-game schedule in 2023-24 for the first time since 2010-11 but was limited to 74 contests this campaign.

The soon-to-be 38-year-old notched 30 points while averaging over 23 minutes per game in 2024-25. Letang also posted a career-worst minus-15 as Pittsburgh failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

Letang has spent his entire 19-year career with the Penguins. He's under contract for three more years at a $6.1-million cap hit.

XRedditFacebookWhatsAppEmailSMS
MORE STORIES