Kris Letang and his playing style irked former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan and assistant coach David Quinn this past season, sources told The Athletic's Josh Yohe.
The Penguins' staff grew frustrated as Letang's mental errors increased and his physical ability dipped throughout the campaign, Yohe added. Sullivan, who spent 10 seasons behind Pittsburgh's bench, parted ways with the organization after the team failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third straight year. Sullivan has since taken over as head coach of the New York Rangers, with Quinn joining him as an assistant coach.
Widely respected in the locker room, Letang is primarily known as an offensive defenseman. The six-time All-Star has a no-trade clause and three seasons remaining on a six-year, $36.6-million contract. Letang's also faced significant health issues, including heart surgery and two strokes in under 10 years.
The 38-year-old played 74 games in the 2024-25 campaign, notching nine goals and 21 assists. He posted a career-worst minus-15 while averaging 23 minutes per contest.
Letang has spent his entire 19-year career with the Penguins, tallying 862 points across 1,310 games. The 2023 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner has won three Stanley Cups, totaling 28 points and averaging 23 minutes of ice time in Pittsburgh's title-winning runs. Letang didn't play in the 2016-17 postseason due to neck surgery.
