Kris Letang’s expected return gives Pittsburgh Penguins a huge boost

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Daniel Lucente
February 17, 2026 (4:09 PM)

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Photo credit: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images

Kris Letang targets a Thursday return for the Pittsburgh Penguins after the Olympic break, and the blue line desperately needs him.

The clip making the rounds has Letang saying he expects to play next Thursday, the first game back.

That lines up with Pittsburgh’s schedule resuming Thursday, February 26 at home.

It also lines up with the storyline, Letang has been working back from a fractured foot.

Before the pause, the Penguins banked points and sat second in the Metro at 29-15-12.

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If Letang is truly ready, the timing is huge because the first opponent out of the break is the New Jersey Devils.

Pittsburgh has leaned on structure lately, but the exits and the first pass just look different when Letang is out there.

He already has 3-22-25 this season, which tells you the offense still runs through his stick.

You can feel the fanbase holding its breath, because this season has been too fragile to waste games waiting for the “real” lineup.

The simple hockey reason is puck movement.

Letang pulls forecheckers toward him, then snaps the play to space before the pressure arrives.

That is how the top-six gets the puck with speed instead of digging it out of their skates.

On the man advantage, his quick decisions keep the penalty killers from setting their feet.

Roster-wise, his cap hit means Pittsburgh cannot just “replace” those minutes with call-ups and vibes.

If he plays Thursday, watch the pairs early, because the coaching staff will want him moving, not defending for 45 seconds at a time.

The Penguins do not need superhero Letang, they need steady Letang, and they need him immediately.

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

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FEVRIER 17\|67 ANSWERS Kris Letang’s expected return gives Pittsburgh Penguins a huge boost Should Kris Letang play Thursday against the New Jersey Devils?
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