Better Know a Penguin: Kris Letang

Any fan of the NHL should know who Kris Letang is. The Pittsburgh defenseman has only known black and gold his whole career, when the Penguins drafted him back in 2005 out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

The 2015-2016 regular season was Letang's best of his career, statistically. He set highs in goals scored (16), assists (51) and points (67). Perhaps that's because Letang, who has always been one of the top defenders in the NHL, played in 71 games this season, the most since the 2010-2011 season when he played all 82. Expect Letang to see a lot of icetime this series; he's averaging 28:47 minutes through the playoffs.

Name: Kris Letang

Number/Position: #58 / Defender

Born: April 24, 1987 (29)

Birthplace: Montreal, QC, Canada

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 201

Shoots: Right

Drafted: 62nd overall, 2005 (Pittsburgh)

Assets

Is a silky smooth skater with tremendous lateral movement and acceleration. Can pinch in effectively, or roam around like a fourth forward. Owns a lot of creativity and goal-scorer's hands. Can hit, as well. Racks up points.

Flaws

Injuries are a major factor here. Is a little undersized for a blueline position in the NHL, so he struggles on occasion against bigger forwards. Is not a natural when quarterbacking a power play.

Career Potential

Excellent. mobile big-minute defenseman, when healthy.

(Assets, Flaws and Career Potential via The Hockey News player page)

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