Report: Letang addresses health scares, lays out plans for future

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang revealed exciting news on Tuesday, when he was cleared for contact before training camp opens Friday.

The 30-year-old underwent season-ending neck surgery in April to repair a herniated disc and followed a serious recovery program all summer to be ready to join his teammates in time for the upcoming campaign. 

And the star blue liner does not only plan to join the Pens for the season-opener on Oct. 4, he plans of being the same player he has always been, despite several health scares in the recent years. 

“(Playing at least 25 minutes is) what I want to do,” Letang told NHL on NBC. “That’s part of my game, the way I play. So, obviously, it’s the goal. I have no expectation. I’m just going to go like I always did and go from there.

“There’s certain things to avoid, that’s for sure. But it’s not going to change my game. … I’m healthy. That’s the only thing I know. So, I don’t know why I would rest. The energy is going to be there, for sure.”

In 41 games with the Penguins last year, Letang recorded five goals and 34 points. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan previously mentioned that he would like Letang to avoid unnecessary hits and change his style of play, but Letang does not agréé.

Fans would will see the same old Letang in 2017-18. Let's hope he stays healthy!