FILE - Pittsburgh Penguins' Kris Letang during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang undergoes surgery to close small hole in his heart

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang’s season is over.

The 19-year veteran will miss Pittsburgh’s finale against Washington on Thursday night after undergoing a procedure to close a small hole in his heart.

The Penguins made the announcement on Wednesday. Letang did not participate in the team’s practice on Tuesday for what coach Mike Sullivan called a medical appointment.

Letang, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, has missed time earlier in his career due to strokes related to a hole in his heart.

The team said the expected timeline for Letang to make a full recovery is 4-6 weeks. Pittsburgh was eliminated from postseason contention earlier this month.

Letang, who is signed through the 2027-28 season, had nine goals and 21 assists in 74 games for Pittsburgh this year, his lowest point total over a full season since 2009-10. The 37-year-old Letang also averaged a team-high 23:32 of ice time.

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