Kris Letang is set to miss some off-season training time.
The Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman had successful heart surgery that is expected to require four-to-six weeks of recovery, the team said on Wednesday. Letang did not participate in the team's practice on Tuesday for what coach Mike Sullivan called a medical appointment.
The procedure closed a small hole in the heart, otherwise known as a patent foramen ovale.
Letang, 37, has previously experienced two strokes in 2014 and 2022, both of which were caused by the same heart condition.
The longtime Penguin, a Montreal native, skated in 74 games this season, tallying nine goals and 21 assists, his lowest point total over a full season since 2009-10. He also averaged a team-high 23:32 of ice time.
Pittsburgh was eliminated from post-season contention earlier this month.
Letang is signed with the team through the 2027-28 season.
--with files from The Associated Press
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