With one game left in the 2024-25 NHL season, Pittsburgh Penguins star Kris Letang underwent an unexpected medical surgery, which raised many eyebrows across the fanbase and media. However, captain Sidney Crosby offered an honest admission on his old teammate.
The Penguins will wrap up a disappointing campaign with a classic NHL showdown against their longtime rivals, the Washington Capitals. Sidney Crosby will face off against Alex Ovechkin’s squad one final time this season—though Ovi may not suit up, as the Capitals could opt to rest some of their stars ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Ahead of the final game of the season at PPG Paints Arena, the Penguins made a surprising announcement, stating Letang had “undergone successful surgery to close a patent foramen ovale (PFO, a small hole in the heart).” Letang will be off the ice for four to six weeks.
On that note, Crosby spoke about his teammate, with whom he hoisted three Stanley Cups in The City of Bridges, and his health.
Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins poses for a portrait prior to the 2023 NHL All-Star Game at FLA Live Arena on February 04, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida.
“Given his history, I think you just want him to be health,” Crosby admitted about Letang, per Pens Inside Scoop on X. “That’s the main thing. It seems like it’s something that is fairly common. I think it’s something he’s happy that he’s got done. Hopefully helps him.”
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Sullivan’s statement
Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan weighed in on the situation, clarifying that the decision wasn’t prompted by any injury, but rather stemmed from ongoing discussions within the organization.
“This wasn’t a reaction to anything from an injury standpoint,” Sullivan said. “This is something that Kris and the medical team have discussed for a long time. Collectively, as a group, it made the most sense to have the procedure done at this particular time.”
Head coach Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins talks to his players on the bench during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on March 9, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Crosby speaks on being named most complete player by NHLPA
The end-of-season survey conducted by the NHLPA named Crosby as the “Most Complete Player in the league”. The 37-year-old star has earned the distinction in each of the six seasons the poll included that title.
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“Those are the guys that you compete against every night,” Crosby said. “I think that’s one of the best compliments you can have, is from the people that you compete against every night. So that means a lot.”
