Articles / Penguins Aiming To Reduce Kris Letang’s Minutes

Penguins Aiming To Reduce Kris Letang’s Minutes

P
Pro Hockey Rumors
Jun 10, 2025 2:19 PM

Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by Pro Hockey Rumors. Read the full original article here →

The Pittsburgh Penguins are making strategic adjustments to manage the playing time of veteran defenseman Kris Letang. Aimed at prolonging his career and keeping him healthy, the team's coaching staff is focused on reducing Letang's minutes on the ice. At 36 years old, Letang's experience is invaluable, but with a history of injuries, the Penguins want to ensure he can maintain peak performance throughout the long NHL season.

General Manager Ron Hextall has emphasized the importance of depth in the defense lineup, indicating that other defensemen will need to step up to alleviate some of Letang's minutes. While he remains a crucial part of the Penguins' blue line, the team understands that a balanced approach will benefit both Letang and the overall team health. This change comes in light of last season's increased reliance on Letang during crucial games, revealing the need for a more sustainable plan moving forward.

The Penguins are optimistic that this strategy won't compromise their competitive edge. With upcoming matchups against top teams, including rivals within the Metropolitan Division, managing player minutes effectively will be essential. Pittsburgh’s focus on a more distributed workload may enhance the performance of their entire defensive corps, fostering a more robust team dynamic while giving Letang the recovery time he requires during the busy NHL schedule.

Players Mentioned