The NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins announced its top defenseman Kris Letang has suffered a stroke and will be out of the lineup indefinitely. 

“Kris reported symptoms to the training staff on Monday and was immediately taken to the hospital for testing,” said the club’s GM, Ron Hextall.

“The test results were shocking to hear, but we are grateful that Kris is doing well,” Hextall continued.

“We are thankful to the medical staff and the physicians at UPMC.” 

Letang also suffered a stroke in 2014. 

Letang reported feeling off Monday night, so he sat out Tuesday’s game. Soon after, he was evaluated by doctors, who subsequently informed the defenseman he’d suffered a stroke.

The team further stated Letang’s injury isn’t expected to be career-ending. In July, he signed a 6-year extension with the club for over $36 million.

Letang says he’s optimistic he’ll return to the ice soon, but the timetable for his return to the ice hasn’t been set.

The three-time Stanley Cup champion Letang, and six-time all-star, will be missed on the Penguins back end. Letang had gotten off to a slower start this season than previous ones in terms of point production.

“Another fully vaccinated athlete having another stroke,” tweeted YouTuber David Frei. 

“This time it’s Kris Letang. We will immediately see people saying he had a pre-existing condition, and had suffered a stroke in 2014. Which is true. But if the jab triggers underlying conditions, that’s also a problem…”

The Counter Signal has previously reported that athletes are dropping like flies from heart problems. 

Earlier this year, 37-year-old mountain biker Rab Wardell died suddenly of cardiac arrest in his sleep, just days after winning the Scottish Championship.