Penguins Share a Concerning Update on Kris Letang Before Practice

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that defenseman Kris Letang will miss Sunday's practice due to a lower-body injury and has been designated as day-to-day, though the specifics of his injury haven't been fully revealed.

Letang only played a couple of shifts in the third period of Pittsburgh's Saturday loss to the New York Rangers and former head coach Mike Sullivan, before exiting the game early.

Head coach Dan Muse told the media that Letang is being evaluated further to find out the exact extent of his injury.

Letang kicked off his 20th season in the NHL last week but has yet to score through three games played. He has managed a plus-three and one penalty, while receiving over 21 minutes of average ice time.

Letang is certainly far past his prime years, but he has remained a productive piece of Pittsburgh's blue line well into his 30s. He scored nine goals and had 30 points in 74 games last season, though that stat was marred by a minus-15.

His 2023-24 campaign was a lot better, with 51 points and a plus-13 in 82 games played. Pittsburgh will be in tough if Letang isn't ready for their next game on Tuesday.

He has played directly behind fellow star defenseman Erik Karlsson, helping the Penguins hold down a blue line that also features Parker Wotherspoon and Ryan Shea in the top four.

Top prospect Harrison Brunicke has played well behind Letang on the depth chart and could be called to fill in should the veteran need to sit out.