Kris Letang returns to action

Incredible news from Pittsburgh this morning as Pittsburgh Penguins insider Michelle Crechiolo reported that Kris Letang skated on his own prior to the team's game day skate in preparation for tonight's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Letang took reps with assistant coach Ty Hennes and looked absolutely fantastic.

Check it out:

Less than a week since suffering a stroke and the guy is taking one T's like he hasn't missed a beat!

I've said it before but I'll say it again: Athletes are tough, but hockey players are a whole other level of tough. I don't think you'd find too many other sports where a player returns to training less than a week after suffering a stroke. Much less the second stroke of his career!

I mean, nobody in their right mind would blame Letang for hanging up the skates. He's got nothing left to prove in the sport and he's had a long, storied career all with one franchise. In short, he's had a dream career. He could retire today and he'd go down as one of the best defensmen to ever play for the Pens... but that's not enough for a guy like Letang. So long as the doctors will let him, he'll be out on the ice doing everything he can to help his team win. Again, there's just something different about hockey players and their level of commitment and dedication. It's part of the the reason that I believe hockey is the best sport on Earth.

Realistically speaking though, Letang is still probably a ways away from returning. Sure, he can feel good in practice but I don't imagine that team doctors will clear him for contact or for game action anytime soon. As I understand it, you're most vulnerable to a stroke after having just suffered from one. There's likely some sort of protocol in place for Letang to prove that he's past the dangerous period and is ready to hit the ice with his teammates again. I guarantee you one thing though... the second he gets clearance from his doctors, he'll be out there once again as one of the fiercest competitors in the NHL.