The Penguins Kris Letang held another remote chat yesterday, commenting on the NHL’s plans to get skating again, and on the Penguins chances in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Often cited as an example of an “at-risk” player because of his complicated medical history, Letang says he has no concerns about playing hockey again. He has suffered a stroke, had a hole in his heart surgically repaired, and had serious neck surgery.
He says the league and the players’ union still have to finalize details such as safety concerns and family issues before they can play hockey again.
Letang says the players will need to work hard individually before the teams return to full practice.
As to the Penguins “play-in” opponent, Letang says Montreal is a good team despite their poor record, and the Penguins will need to keep pace with the Canadiens’s speed.
He says the playoffs will be different from any other because the teams will be skating on equal terms.
The 33-year-old defenseman says the players are relieved that there is finally a plan in place for the resumption of play.
The Penguins have waived forward Linus Olund for the purpose of terminating his contract. The 2017 fifth round draft pick has been on loan to a team in his native Sweden and signed a three-year contract with that team in April.
As the NHL continues to make progress toward returning to the ice, the league yesterday announced its end-of-season award-winners. Washington’s Alex Ovechkin and Boston’s David Pastrnak will share the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal scorer after both finished with 48 goals, with the Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl earning his first Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s points leader after compiling 110 in 71 games. The Bruins were awarded the residents’ Trophy for topping the league with 100 points, while Boston goalies Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak will share the William Jennings Trophy for the goaltender allowing the fewest goals.
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