Kris Letang will undergo surgery to repair a herniated disc, ending his season and potentially the Pittsburgh Penguins’ playoff hopes.
Penguins lose Kris Letang for season after back surgery
The defending champs’ hopes of repeating took a big hit.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
The Penguins announced the news about their veteran defenseman on Wednesday. Letang hasn’t played since Feb. 21 in Carolina. His recovery will last for about 4-6 months.
As Letang alludes to, this is just the latest in a string of injuries. Since 2011, Letang has suffered concussions, an elbow infection, groin injuries, a knee injury, and even a stroke in 2014. Pittsburgh has won without him, but he’s still an integral part of its defensive core.
And that core has gotten roughed up this season. Olli Maatta and Trevor Daley have missed significant time, forcing GM Jim Rutherford to acquire Ron Hainsey and Mark Streit at the trade deadline.
The Penguins will, in all likelihood, begin their 2016 Stanley Cup defense against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round.
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