Kris Letang

[mik3 1]

What's everyone's opinion on him? He still makes dumb mistakes here and there but I think he's star in the making. He's been making the little plays this year, in all three zones. He has just enough flash and physicality, especially since he's not the biggest guy.

[Chadd 916]

He's a number five defenseman with a great shot and some wheels

[mik3 1]

I think his ceiling's probably second pairing on a good team, first powerplay unit if a team goes 3 forwards/2 D. Goligoski's offensive ceiling is probably higher but Letang's way more physical.

[Dougie8 0]

I've always been a big fan of Letang and said that he'll be a top offensive D-man in the NHL eventually. He might not get a chance on the Pens with Whitney and Gonchar infront of him, but he's got the potential.

[camhockey16 5]

well now is certainly his chance because whitney and gonchar are out for a while and scuderi might be hurt as well..

tonight was definitely a step in the right direction despite the penguins giving up 6 goals

[skeeter14 0]

If you had never seen Kris Letang play before, tonight was a very very bad example. IMO he's been one of the most solid night in night out d-men for the pens since last year when he was called up. I'm a big fan of Goligoski as well, but right now i'd rate Letang higher. He just needs to get his offense kicking, and he will be a serious threat.

[Chadd 916]

I think his ceiling's probably second pairing on a good team, first powerplay unit if a team goes 3 forwards/2 D. Goligoski's offensive ceiling is probably higher but Letang's way more physical.

I'll agree with that. Reminds me of a more physical Duncan Keith. And while Keith is a first pair defenseman in Chicago, I think he's highly overrated.

[mik3 1]

I like Keith, but yeah he's a 3-4 or so. Actually, Chadd, I think that's a really good description. He's never going to be a poor man's Lidstrom, but he'll hold his own.

[kosydar 0]

Kris is obviously very good in the shootout and has good offensive potential, but I think that he was somewhat unfairly hyped by the media if only because he is on Pittsburgh. Same thing goes for Tyler Kennedy and someone else, I'm drawing a blank.

[Neal 41]

Pascal Dupuis comes to mind as the other Penguin who is over-hyped. Not that he isn't a solid speed guy with good defensive instincts for your 3rd or 4th line, but those 15 and 20 goal season with the Wild came when he was getting serious ice time on a team with few offensive options. He won't repeat those numbers unless he skates with Crosby or Malkin all year.

Back to topic, Letang looks good he has pretty quick hands for a D and can use them to get his stick on the puck during 1on1 situations or to break up passes and he makes a good first pass.

His offense seems to come from individual abilities than an ability to run a power play, but he is still young.

I think he will improve and might end up as a 2nd pair D, especially with the right partner. Look at Brad Stuart in Detroit, know one would have claimed he could step up and be a 2nd pair D, but with Kronwall beside him he looks just fine.

[Fire0nIce228 1]

I think Letang is a top 4 defense man and in the Pens future he will quarterback the second PP unit with Whitney on the first unit.

Letang played poorly last night and made some stupid mistakes like batting a puck in the air straight up the slot, but immediately after the goal his partner Orpik was right there telling him to always bat them out to the side boards. You can bet your butt that Letang learned from that mistake and it will never happen again.

Gotta remember, he's only 21 and doesn't even have a full season under his belt yet. I think he'll be real good in a few years and I hope the Pens sign him long term.