Penguins announce Kris Letang on LTIR

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is almost certainly the frontrunner to be awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy at the 2023 NHL Awards following the conclusion of the regular season. His remarkable return to action after having suffered the second stroke of his life is nothing short of inspirational and even miraculous. 

The unfortunate news, however, is that he's not played in his team's last nine games, and that trend will continue tonight against the Ottawa Senators. The Penguins have announced that Letang has been placed on Long Term Injured Reserve retroactive to December 28: 

However, the good news is that since players who land on LTIR are required to sit for a minimum of 10 games, Letang will be eligible to return after tonight; the Penguins next play tomorrow against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.

Meanwhile, the Penguins have activated Jeff Petry from the Long-Term Injured list and goalie Tristan Jarry from injured reserve. Jarry, who has amassed a record of 15-5-4, with a 2.75 goals-against average and .918 save percentage this season, was injured on January 2 at Fenway Park in the Winter Classic against the host Boston Bruins. 

In 29 games played this season, Letang has scored two goals with 14 assists.