Following a stroke, Kris Letang is out indefinitely.

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Following a stroke, Kris Letang is out indefinitely. General Manager Ron Hextall announced today that Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is out indefinitely after having a stroke on Monday.

Letang, 35, will continue to undergo a number of tests over the coming week even though he is not currently experiencing any long-term effects from the stroke. Until all testing is finished and a treatment plan is in place, there won’t be any more updates on his condition. It is believed that his condition won’t jeopardize his career.

Kris reported symptoms to the training staff on Monday, and Hextall said she was taken right away to the hospital for testing. “Hearing the test results were shocking, but we are happy to hear that Kris is doing well. We are appreciative of the UPMC medical staff and doctors. In addition to being a warrior on the ice, he is also a son, father, husband, and friend. His well-being is our top priority.”

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The defensive player missed more than two months in 2014 due to a stroke. Testing during that time period showed that he was born with a very small hole in his heart’s wall. Even though every person can see the tiny hole in the wall, for the most part, it closes on its own. He has participated in 69 playoff games and 543 regular-season games since his first stroke eight years ago.

Letang said, “I am fortunate to know my body well enough to know when something isn’t right. “Although it is challenging to discuss this issue in public, I am hopeful that it will increase awareness. It’s important to me that my teammates, family, and supporters are aware of how I’m doing. I have high hopes of getting back on the ice soon.”

In 21 games this season, the 6-foot, 201-pound defenseman has 12 points and one goal. With 23:54, he has the most ice time on the team.

The native of Montreal, Quebec, spent all 17 years of his playing career with Pittsburgh, where he amassed 662 points (145G-517A) in 962 regular-season contests. In terms of the regular season and postseason games played, goals, assists, and points, he leads the team all-time among defensemen. He has also assisted the team in three Stanley Cup victories (2009, 2016, and 2017).