Krist Letang is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman and serves as the alternate captain for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League.Known as “Tanger,” Letang spent three seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) before being drafted 62nd overall by the Penguins in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He secured the 2009 Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh in just his second full NHL season.
Bio/Wiki
Age: 36 years
Height: 1.83 m
Weight: 91 kg
Born: 24 April 1987
Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
Spouse: Catherine Laflamme (m. 2015)
Profession: Canadian ice hockey defenceman
Nationality: Canadian
Current team: Pittsburgh Penguins (#58 / Defenseman)
Date joined: 2 October 2006 (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Parents
Kris Letang’s parents are Claude Fouquet and Christiane Letang.
Wife
Catherine Laflamme, his wife, was a cast member on the third season of the Canadian reality series Hockey Wives. The couple welcomed a son in November 2012, and later tied the knot on July 18, 2015, in Montreal. They announced the expectancy of their second child on December 20, 2017, via Instagram. Their daughter was born in July 2018.
Career
Letang began his major junior hockey career with the Val-d’Or Foreurs in the QMJHL, earning recognition for his performance, including a spot on the QMJHL and CHL All-Rookie Team. In the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, he was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round. Letang made his NHL debut in the 2006–07 season and quickly showcased his talent, scoring his first NHL goal in his third game. Despite some early challenges, he continued to develop and contribute to the team. Letang’s notable achievements in the QMJHL, including leading the Foreurs to the 2007 QMJHL Finals, earned him three major awards. These accolades included the Emile Bouchard Trophy for the best defenseman, the Paul Dumont Trophy for the best personality, and the Kevin Lowe Trophy for the best defensive defenseman.
In the 2007–08 Season, Letang began the season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton but was swiftly recalled by Pittsburgh after a strong performance in the AHL. He excelled in his rookie NHL season, earning an invitation to the 2008 NHL YoungStars Game. The Penguins reached the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals but were defeated by the Detroit Red Wings.
In 2008–09 Season, Letang’s role expanded in the absence of key defensemen. He had a standout season, contributing 10 goals and 33 points. In the playoffs, he scored crucial goals, helping the Penguins win the Stanley Cup by defeating the Red Wings.
In 2010–11 Season, Following the departure of key players, Letang played a pivotal role, achieving a career-high 50 points. He represented the Penguins at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game. The team faced early elimination in the playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In the 2015–16 Season, Letang played in the NHL All-Star Game and scored the Cup-winning goal in the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals. He finished fourth in Norris Trophy voting and made the end-of-season second all-star team.
In the 2016–17 Season, Letang underwent neck surgery, missing the playoffs. Despite this, his name was added to the Stanley Cup. In 2018–19 SeasonLetang set franchise records for most assists and goals by a Penguins defenseman. He continued to make significant contributions to the team.
International career
Letang made his debut on the international stage for Canada during his junior rookie season at the 2005 World U18 Championships in the Czech Republic. In a silver medal effort, he contributed four points in six games, ultimately losing to the United States in the final.
Over the next two years, Letang participated in the World Junior Championships, securing gold in both 2006 and 2007, contributing to a five-year Canadian championship streak. The initial gold came in Vancouver as the host country, followed by a return the next year in Sweden, where Letang served as team captain and scored six points in six games. His outstanding performance earned him a place on the tournament’s All-Star team, alongside national teammates Carey Price and Jonathan Toews.
Kris Letang’s Contract
March 30, 2010, Letang signed a four-year contract extension through the 2013–14 season, worth an annual salary of $3.5 million.
July 2, 2013, Letang signed an eight-year contract with Pittsburgh valued at $58 million, effective from the 2014–15 season.
July 7, 2022, Letang signed a six-year, $36.6 million contract extension with the Penguins, securing his likely retirement with the team.
Kris Letang’s Net Worth
Kris Letang’s net worth is $40 million.
Kris Letang Makes NHL History with Five-Point Period for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Kris Letang made NHL history as the first defenseman to record five points in a period with five assists during the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 7-0 victory over the New York Islanders. Letang, who finished with six assists, achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the first player in Penguins history to accomplish such a feat in a single period. Coach Mike Sullivan praised Letang’s elite performance, especially against a formidable opponent like the Islanders, highlighting the challenge in today’s highly competitive league. Jake Guentzel, Evgeni Malkin, Tristan Jarry, Rickard Rakell, Radim Zohorna, and Valtteri Puustinen also contributed to Pittsburgh’s six-goal surge in a span of 10:27 in the second period.
“After a break, the first period is always ugly,” Letang said after his record-setting performance. “After that, once your legs get going, your hands are coming back, we took advantage offensively, played in their zone, putting pucks at the net. … When you come back and you are about to win a game against a division rival like this and somebody you are chasing, it’s huge.”
