The 35-year-old center did not score a point in seven games with the Winnipeg Jets last season. He did not play after being diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, in October 2019. He was expected to be out for six months.
Myocarditis, usually caused by a viral infection, can affect the heart muscle, reducing the heart's ability to pump and causing rapid or abnormal heart rhythms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Letestu, who was not drafted, scored 210 points (93 goals, 117 assists) in 567 regular-season games and 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 36 Stanley Cup Playoff games in 11 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers and Jets.
His best offensive season came in 2016-17, when he scored 35 points (16 goals, 19 assists) in 78 games with the Oilers. He then helped them reach the Western Conference Second Round with 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 13 playoff games.
Letestu was the Jets' nominee last season for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, an annual award under the trusteeship of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association and which is given "to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey." The award was won by Detroit Red Wings forward Bobby Ryan, who played with the Ottawa Senators last season.
