Kris Letang Out at Least Four Weeks with Foot Fracture
Kris Letang on ice during a game on October 11, 2017. Photo credits: Michael Miller.
Written By Gina Anton
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without one of their cornerstone defensemen for an extended stretch after Kris Letang was placed on injured reserve with a fractured foot, the team announced ahead of Sunday’s game. The 38‑year‑old veteran is expected to miss a minimum of four weeks, a timeline that could stretch longer once Pittsburgh resumes play following the 2026 Winter Olympic break.
Letang suffered the foot injury during a 6‑2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks and had already missed practice earlier in the week alongside teammate Evgeni Malkin. While the Penguins have enjoyed a hot stretch by going unbeaten in recent games, the loss of their star blueliner is a significant blow as they vie for playoff positioning in the Metropolitan Division.
Through 50 games this season, Letang had 25 points (three goals, 22 assists), along with solid defensive contributions, before the injury.
A veteran of 20 seasons exclusively with the Penguins, Letang has carved out a Hall‑of‑Fame‑caliber career in Pittsburgh. He’s played 1,211 games with the franchise, tallying 178 goals and more than 600 assists, ranking him among the franchise’s all‑time leaders particularly as a defenseman.
Over his 20-season career, Letang has endured numerous injuries, consistently displaying resilience in the face of adversity. Former Penguins coach Mike Sullivan spoke to that toughness following a gruesome injury in 2023. “He's just an ultra-competitive guy, he's tough as nails... He's got a heart of a lion.”
Letang’s longevity and production also include multiple Stanley Cup championships and All‑Star appearances, and he holds nearly every significant scoring record for a Penguins defenseman.
Impact on the Penguins
Losing Letang who often logs heavy minutes on both the penalty kill and power play, will force coach Dan Muse to adjust his defensive pairings and roll out more ice time for depth blueliners. His absence removes a key transition player and top‑four defense presence at a crucial part of the season.
While the Penguins benefit from a built-in break due to the NHL’s Olympic hiatus, the timing means Letang could miss several games after the regular schedule resumes, likely into late February. This could test Pittsburgh’s depth and resilience, especially if other veterans remain injured as well.
Looking Ahead
Letang’s leadership and ability to contribute in all situations will be missed, but the Olympic break may help him recover without causing him to miss too many contests. Still, the Penguins will need contributions from the likes of Erik Karlsson, younger defensemen, and potentially call‑ups from the minors to sustain their playoff push while he’s in recovery.
