Penguins place D Kris Letang back on injured reserve, recall rookie Simon Despres

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Kris Letang's comeback didn't last long.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have placed their star defenceman back on injured reserve with a lower body injury and recalled rookie Simon Despres from the AHL.

Letang returned from the IR on Tuesday night after missing three games due to the injury. He appeared in some discomfort following his first shift but played more than 24 minutes in a 1-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

Despres, brought back up early Wednesday, has played well during his first season and his plus-10 plus/minus rating ranks in the top 10 among rookies.

Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury also sustained an undisclosed injury Tuesday after colliding with a pair of players in the second period. Fleury did not return for the third period and is being re-evaluated Wednesday.