Pens' Letang to make season debut Friday

Pittsburgh Penguins All-Star defenseman Kris Letang was scheduled to make his season debut Friday night against the New York Islanders.

Letang missed the Penguins' first nine games with a lower-body injury.

He will be paired with Rob Scuderi as Pittsburgh's top defensive duo.

Letang had 38 points last season, which tied the Montreal Canadiens' P.K. Subban for most by an NHL defenseman.

Letang said he should be able to play 20-plus minutes Friday.

"It's exciting, especially with the team's success," he said, according to NHL.com. "I've been watching every game from the press box and I am just excited to be a part of the team on the ice and try to help them win."