Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang undergoes heart surgery at the age of 37 for having a small hole in his heart. The heart surgery was successful, and his NHL career might resume. The hole had been in the heart since birth. Letang first found out about it back in 2014 when he had his first stroke. It’s the patent foramen ovale hole.
Doctors say it closes after birth, but in some cases, such as Kris Letang’s case, it did not close. As a result of which, Letang developed symptoms, and his chances of having a stroke increased.
Heart surgery wasn’t in the cards, but since the Pittsburgh Penguins missed their Playoffs for the third time, Kris Letang opted for it
The Pittsburgh Penguins have not qualified for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Consequently, they have a long summer break after the regular season. The holidays have been fully utilized by Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang.
He booked his long pending heart surgery and got it done on April 16, 2025. Letang’s doctors had urged after he got the second stroke in November 2022, but it wasn’t necessary immediately. And, so, Kris Letang found the perfect holidays that could give him enough time to rest, recover, and restore.
Doctors say he will take up to four to six weeks to fully recuperate. Kris Letang still has two years left in his contract with the Penguins. Each year will give him $6.1 million. Also, Letang has a no-movement clause. As for the time being, Letang will not be a part of the upcoming match against the Washington Capitals.
Like Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang too is a Pittsburgh Penguins veteran
37-year-old Kris Letang was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2005 NHL draft. 37-year-old Sidney Crosby, ice hockey center and captain for the Pittsburgh Penguins, was also drafted the very same year - the 2005 NHL draft.
Crosby was the 1st overall pick in the First Round, and Letang was the 62nd overall pick in the Third Round. Their fates have been intertwined even today. We wish to see Sidney Crosby play alongside Kris Letang during the next two seasons! And more to come.
Also Read: Upcoming NHL games from 4/14/25 to 4/17/25: Teams, 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs standings, where to watch, and more | NHL News - The Times of India
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