WATCH: Kris Letang and Tristan Jarry BACK on ice for practice as fans celebrate their return 

<strong>WATCH: Kris Letang and Tristan Jarry BACK on ice for practice as fans celebrate their return </strong>

Kris Letang and Tristan Jarry [Image Credit: Pensburgh/Hockey Wilderness]

Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Kris Letang took his first step back in return to the team much to fans’ delight. He along with goalie Tristan Jarry was found skating on ice on Tuesday before the team practice began. They even joined the practice for a while.

As per the team’s update, Letang has shifted from non-roster status to IR. He’s been away from the ice since his second stroke, followed by his father Claude Fouquet’s death. The team went to show respect during his father’s funeral, later returning and joining the season’s race. 

Prior to their practice at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said that Letang would be back in “the next day or two”. Letang donned a white non-contract jersey as he worked with assistant coach Ty Hennes for about 35 minutes before team practice. 

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Kris Letang and Tristan Jarry skate on ice after long absence from team

Kris Letang and Tristan Jarry [Image Credit: NHL.com/Surrey Now-Leader]
Kris Letang and Tristan Jarry [Image Credit: NHL.com/Surrey Now-Leader]

Though Kris Letang is back skating at full speed, he is still on IR, and will not be present for Wednesday’s game against Ottawa Senators. On Tuesday, Mike Sullivan stated, “It’s great,”. “Obviously, he means a lot to our team.” 

“He’s part of this family. And for him to be part of this group was a great feeling for everybody. We’re looking forward to him joining us during a game, and we’re hoping that that’s sooner than later.”

Letang has not spoken with reporters about his return as of now. Tristan Jarry is also back on the ice after he left the game with a lower-body injury during Winter Classic games. Forward Josh Archibald and Ryan Poehling were also seen. Josh missed 12 games with a lower-body injury.

Simultaneously, Ryan also missed 7 of his past games with an upper-body injury but joined the practice on Monday. Sullivan said, “These guys are getting close”. In the latest Penguins practice 16 players joined the drill with few players coming close to returning. 

Recently captain of the Pittsburgh aligned with what Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid stated regarding changes in the NHL shootout system. As of now, these two players have voiced for the changes, asking for extending OT time to 10 minutes from the ongoing 5-minute 3-on-3 rule. 

Since players of this magnitude are speaking for changes, fans, and the league are at least bound to heed what they say. McDavid without shying away from his opinion stated that the current system is “crappy” and it needs to change. As for how much their statement will affect the future of the game is still unknown.

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