Letang had surgery a year ago. He's had more than enough time to rehab and adjust. He's in as ludicrous physical shape as anyone I've ever seen in the NHL--his surgery and recovery are not an issue.
The guy is as wildly inconsistent/underwhelming as he's always been throughout his career, but I think his issues are complicated by the sit-down he had with the coaches this summer. There's no evidence on paper, but I'd imagine it essentially came down to "Kris, you have to stop playing with total disregard to your health and safety. We need you in the lineup." And, to a degree, it's worked. Letang's been in the lineup and healthy. But, the problem is, healthy Letang means watered-down, neutered Letang. His best comes from that frantic, desperate, rabid style of hockey that leads to him getting seriously injured all the time. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
I don't really care if he's racking up the points, either. This team isn't hurting for offensive potential. His value to us is and always has been as a defensive/transition player, not as an elite point producer. His skating is what made him his best. He's never been an elite passer, or an elite shooter. His absolutely insane ability to cover ice quickly and with authority is what made him dangerous. His ability to close gaps, smother guys, get pucks and skate them out of harms way/through the neutral zone--that was what made him a fantastic blueliner. I couldn't care less if his point totals were below or near where he's usually at. He's been dogshit this season--absolutely unforgivably bad.
I don't think he's as bad as he's been this season, I just think he's trying to play like someone he isn't; a calculated, calm, collected player. He's an instincts, quick reaction type of guy and he's thinking way too much. If you take the leash off of him, he likely improves, but he also likely puts himself in the hospital again. He's got insane value around the league and I don't doubt for a second JR would have a dozen or more suitors calling, and several would have great packages that would A. help this team fill out the roster, B. get us out from a $7.25M/yr deal with a wildly inconsistent and/or injury prone player. I hope like Hell JR moves him this summer.