Mark Letestu, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, spent a decade in the National Hockey League (NHL) showcasing his skills as a center. Born on February 4, 1985, in Elk Point, Alberta, Letestu's journey to the NHL was not the traditional path taken by many of his peers. He was undrafted, which meant he had to prove himself through sheer performance and determination.
Letestu began his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. His consistent performance in the AHL earned him a call-up to the NHL, where he made his debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2009-2010 season. Over the next few seasons, Letestu became a reliable player for the Penguins, known for his face-off skills and ability to play in various situations on the ice.
In November 2011, Letestu was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was with the Blue Jackets that he found a more regular role, becoming an integral part of their lineup. His time in Columbus was marked by his versatility and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. Letestu's tenure with the Blue Jackets lasted until the 2014-2015 season, after which he returned to the team that first gave him an NHL opportunity.
The Edmonton Oilers signed Letestu as a free agent in July 2015. During his time with the Oilers, Letestu played a crucial role, particularly during the 2016-2017 season when the team made a deep playoff run. His performance in the playoffs was noteworthy, as he provided veteran leadership and contributed key goals, helping the Oilers reach the second round.
In February 2018, Letestu was traded back to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he finished the season. Following a brief stint with the Blue Jackets, he signed with the Florida Panthers in the summer of 2018 but was soon traded to the Winnipeg Jets. Letestu played the 2018-2019 season with the Jets, adding depth and experience to their roster.
After a brief hiatus from the NHL, Letestu signed a professional tryout contract with the Winnipeg Jets in 2019 and subsequently earned a one-year contract. However, his 2019-2020 season was cut short due to health issues, as he was diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. This diagnosis sidelined him for the majority of the season.
In 2020, Mark Letestu announced his retirement from professional hockey. Over his NHL career, Letestu played in over 550 games, scoring more than 90 goals and providing over 100 assists.
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