By the Numbers: The Enduring Legacy of #58—Kris Letang in NHL History
Some jersey numbers carry history the moment a player pulls them on. Others only matter because of what the player does while wearing them. Around the NHL, number “58” has never stood out. In Pittsburgh, however, it means Kris Letang.
Taken 62nd overall in the 2005 NHL entry Draft, Letang arrived without much fanfare from Round 3. What followed was an illustrious career; nearly 20 years later, he has played his entire NHL career with the Penguins and built one of the most productive résumés any defenseman in franchise history can claim.
Letang has played more than 1,200 games and recorded over 790 points, the most ever by a Penguins defenseman. Those numbers reflect durability, but more importantly, they show how consistently he has played at a high level in a demanding role.
Cool Fact: On October 6, 2018, Kris Letang recorded assist #441, setting a new Penguins franchise record for most points by a defenseman.
#58 on the Score Sheet
From the blue line, Letang was never content to stay back. His skating has allowed him to move the puck quickly and join the rush, often acting as an extra attacker. Through his career, he doesn’t just help create offense—much of it has run through him. He regularly finished near the top of the NHL in assists among defensemen, all while playing against some of the toughest match-ups game after game. While playing heavy minutes, Letang has regularly faced elite competition, and still found ways to impact the score sheet.
Championship Pedigree
Letang’s career is closely tied to winning. He played major roles in three Stanley Cup championships (2009; 2016; 2017); when games tightened and mistakes mattered more, his importance only grew.
Cool Fact: In 2025, Kris Letang, Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin were recognized by the Pittsburgh Penguins as the first trio of teammates to play 20 seasons together in the history of major North American sports.
Resilience Behind #58
Letang’s career wasn’t smooth. Serious health issues forced him to step away more than once, and each return came with uncertainty. Every time, he worked his way back into top form. That persistence has become part of what number “58” truly represents in the game of hockey.
League Award (3rd in Voting): Kris Letang's persistence through health issues led to being a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (2014-15); given "to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey."
58: A Number That Now Means Something with True Significance
Across the NHL, number “58” is easy to overlook. In Pittsburgh, it tells a clear story—one of production, championships, and long-term commitment to a single team. Kris Letang gave number “58” its meaning, and in doing so, left a lasting mark on Pittsburgh hockey history.