Penguins defenseman Kris Letang to play 10 weeks after stroke

Kris Letang will play for the Penguins Wednesday night. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Kris Letang will play for the Penguins Wednesday night when they host the Detroit Red Wings, the team announced during its morning skate.

The 26-year-old suffered a stroke 10 weeks ago but was cleared by team doctors, and it was his decision whether to play again this season, according to GM Ray Shero.

SI WIRE: Flyers' Zac Rinaldo suspended four games for illegal check

Letang, who has 10 goals and eight assists in 34 games this season, signed an eight-year, $58 million deal in July with the Penguins, who have already clinched the Metropolitan Division.

Letang was a Norris Trophy finalist last season. The award is given to the league's top defenseman.

MUIR: Time to strip Alex Ovechkin of captaincy

#Pens Letang: My family is scared. But they understand the situation. Doctors talked to them to assure them.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 9, 2014

#Pens Letang on if he's scared: I'm nervous because I haven't played in a while, but about my situation, not at all.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 9, 2014