Penguins' Kris Letang will undergo neck surgery, out 4-6 months

PITTSBURGH — Penguins' defenseman Kris Letang will undergo surgery for a herniated disc in his neck, the team announced Wednesday.

The recovery period is expected to be 4-6 months.

That means Letang will not be available for the Stanley Cup playoffs, which begin April 12.

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“Kris underwent an MRI in February that revealed a herniated disc in his neck,” General Manager Jim Rutherford said. “Our neurosurgeons examined him and recommended conservative treatment in an attempt to correct the condition without surgery. Kris had been making progress and was hopeful of returning for the playoffs until about a week ago, when the progress plateaued. He underwent another MRI, and, at that point it was determined that surgery was needed.”

Letang has not played since February 21, missing the Penguins’ last 20 games.

Channel 11's Chase Williams spoke with Phil Bourque about the injury and its impact on the team.

Cox Media Group