The father of Pittsburgh Penguins Quebec defenseman Kristopher Letang died Sunday.
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At least that’s what TVA Sports hockey expert Renaud Lavoie reported on Monday. Letang is in the Montreal area with his family and will therefore miss the Winter Classic between his team and the Boston Bruins at Fenway Park.
Kristopher Letang’s father passed away yesterday and he is in the Montreal area with his family. My sincere condolences to family and friends. @ penguins @TVASports
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) January 2, 2023
Bad luck seems to be hanging on the Quebecer, who suffered a second stroke last November. However, he had prevented the worst by rushing to the doctor when the first symptoms appeared.
Hurt
A lower body injury kept him from a game against the New Jersey Devils on Friday, and a statement from the organization released Sunday after he missed practice indicated his absence from the Classic for the same reason.
However, comments from some of his teammates suggest the Penguins were more concerned about Letang’s privacy.
“It’s definitely not something you want for your teammates,” said Quebec’s Pierre-Olivier Joseph. Health is a priority in people’s lives. I think it’s important for him to take care of himself and spend time with his family. We have to stay positive for him. We’re all here for him.”
Letang has 146 goals and 666 points in 970 career games in the National Hockey League (NHL), all with the Penguins.