Kris Letang to play Wednesday night

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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

PITTSBURGH -- Penguins defenseman Kris Letang will play on Wednesday night against the Detroit Red Wings, 10 weeks after suffering a stroke.

General manager Ray Shero says Letang has been cleared by team doctors and that it was the 26-year-old's decision whether to play again this season.

Letang joined the Penguins for their morning skate Wednesday.

Look who's back on the ice for #Pens morning skate! pic.twitter.com/WujnJfOmWw

- Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 9, 2014Letang hasn't played since Jan. 27. He suffered the stroke two days later. Tests revealed a small hole in his heart that doctors say could have contributed to the stroke. The hole hasn't been repaired, but Shero says the team is confident that playing hockey didn't cause Letang's stroke.

The 2013 Norris Trophy finalist has 10 goals and eight assists in 34 games this season for the Penguins, who have already clinched the Metropolitan Division title.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.