Three-time Stanley Cup champion Kris Letang out indefinitely after stroke
Luke Gentile
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Pittsburgh Penguins veteran Kris Letang will be out of the lineup indefinitely after the defenseman suffered a stroke, Penguins General Manager Ron Hextall announced Wednesday.
Letang, 35, is undergoing tests after suffering the stroke Monday and is not experiencing any lasting effects, the team said.
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“We will do as many tests as we need to do. First and foremost, this is about the person, the father, and the family member,” Hextall said.
“The hockey player and Pittsburgh Penguin is secondary. He’s a terrific human being and one tough SOB.”
Letang, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, informed the team trainer he had a headache before being taken to a local hospital.
“Letang called head athletic trainer Chris Stewart on Monday, saying he had a migraine and that something didn’t feel right,” the Penguins posted to social media. “At that point, head team physician Dr. Dharmesh Vyas said he needed to go to the hospital immediately, where tests revealed he had a stroke.”
When the team was informed by head coach Mike Sullivan, Letang was with him.
“When Sully 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,” Hextall said.
“Thus far, everything is looking as positive as it could be.”
This is not the first time Letang has suffered a stroke.
In 2014, the defenseman missed more than two months following a stroke, and it was found that the six-time NHL All-Star had been born with a small hole in the wall of his heart, according to a report.
“I’m shocked at how well he’s doing emotionally and how well he seems to be taking it. This is much less severe than what happened eight years ago,” according to Hextall. “There’s a lot of comfort in that.”
Letang appears to be in good spirits and said he hopes to make a quick return to the ice.
“I am fortunate to know my body well enough to recognize when something isn’t right. 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,” he said.
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“I am optimistic that I will be back on the ice soon.”