Posts Tagged Kari Lehtonen

Dallas Stars sign Kari Lehtonen for 3 years

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on May 12th, 2010

Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars have locked up goalie Kari Lehtonen for 3 years at $10.65 million, a salary cap number of $3.55 million a season. He’ll make $2.7 million next season, $3.7 million in 2011-12, and $4.25 million in 2012-13.

Lehtonen was acquired by the Stars in February from the Atlanta Thrashers. He  posted a 2.44 GAA and .926 SV% down the stretch with a record 6-3-0, and showed management enough that his back was okay. Lehtonen had 2 surgeries on his back last off-season.

The former 2nd overall pick in 2002, has battled injuries throughout his career. He’s posted a 100-87-17 career record, with a 2.87 GAA and .912 SV%.

With the amount of injuries Lehtonen’s had in his career, especially with a wonky back, I hope the Stars have faith in their backup, as I’m sure he’ll see plenty of action. The Stars are putting a lot of faith in a goalie with a shaky history.

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Turco on the Move Now? Sexton working 9 deals, Price and Halak staying put for the time being?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 10th, 2010

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: So with the Stars trading for Kari Lehtonen, they now have 3 NHL calibre goalies. It would appear that the Stars will now look to moving Marty Turco. That’s putting a lot faith in Lehtonen and Auld to help them make the playoffs, especially for Lehtonen who’s been battling injuries for years.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers could be the frontrunners to trade Marty Turco if he becomes available. The Flyers would have to shed salary, almost equal to Turco’s $5.7 million cap number, if they were going to bring him in.
  • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Stars trade for Lehtonen was a buy-low gamble. Halak or Schneider would have cost more. The Flyers or Blackhawks could look at adding Marty Turco. The Flyers could look at Pekka Rinne or Dan Ellis, both come with a lower salary number for this year, meaning they wouldn’t have to get rid of nearly as much salary. Martin Biron is another low cost option. Burnside thinks the Stars may jump on one of these goalies.
  • Tim Baines, Don Brennan and Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Brennan thinks the Senators need a forward and a Dman, and mentions the names Pavel Kubina and Dustin Penner. Garrioch says the Sens have only $500,000 in cap space left, and that Penner may not be available. Burying Cheechoo’s $3 million contract in the minors could free up some space.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: There haven’t really been any negotiations between the Montreal Canadiens and Tomas Plakanec, but that might change with Gauthier taking over. New GM, Pierre Gauthier as said that they will keep both Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak for the time being.
  • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Burnside and LeBrun discuss the Price-Halak situation, as well as Tomas Plekanec. Gauthier and Plekanec’s agent had a meeting in January, and both sides agreed that they’d like to keep Plekanec in Montreal. Having the cap room to sign Plekanec long term will be an issue.
  • George Richards via Twitter: Florida Panthers GM Randy Sexton is working on 9 different trades.
  • Eric Francis of Canoe - Slam! Sports: A number of GMs around the league were not happy that they were not in on the Dion Phaneuf trade discussions. Many were not aware that he was available, and would have offered more than what the Maple Leafs gave them.

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    Kari Lehtonen Traded To The Dallas Stars

    Posted by Derek in NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Trades on February 9th, 2010

    “The Atlanta Thrashers have traded goalie Kari Lehtonen to the Dallas Stars for defenceman Ivan Vishnevskiy and a fourth-round draft pick.

    Lehtonen, 26, was recalled by Atlanta on Tuesday after completing a conditioning assignment with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. The Finnish backstop has not played this season after undergoing back surgery on Sept. 16.

    Over four seasons with the Thrashers, Lehtonen compiled a record of 94-83-17 with 14 shutouts. He led Atlanta to the franchise’s only playoff appearance in 2006-07.” (Source:TSN)

    This doesn’t look good for Marty Turco. There have been a lot of rumors surrounding Turco in recent weeks and it appears the writing’s on the wall in big D…

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    Blackhawks interested in Parros and Wisniewski, Goaltending situation in Dallas, Lehtonen back in Atlanta

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL Rumors on February 8th, 2010

  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The countdown for the Olympic roster freeze has begun (Feb. 12th, 3pm), so GM’s have a few days to go over their plan B’s (well for those of who were interested in Kovalchuk), which of course is headed by Ray Whitney. Cam Ward is getting an MRI done on his back, and if the results are not good, he could be shut down for the year.
  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks might be talking to Anaheim about George Parros. They also have inquired about James Wisniewski.
  • Steve Simmons from the Ottawa Sun: The Maple Leafs have tried to include Jeff Finger in almost all their trade talks, with no success. This should come as no surprise as he still has 2 years left at a $3.5 mill cap number. He could find himself in the minors or being bought out.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk has plenty of goaltending options to consider. He can keep his goalies for the remainder of the season, and hope that Marty Turco can return to his prior form. He can trade Turco and bring in another goalie. Tim Thomas could be on the market (see yesterday mornings post). Cory Schneider is buried in the minors, with no hope of overtaking Roberto Luongo in Vancouver. Jaroslav Halak might be available. Kari Lehtonen is also available.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Atlanta Thrashers have recalled Kari Lehtonen from his 2 week conditioning stinct. Lehtonen allowed 11 goals on 109 shots (.899 save %), with a GAA of 2.67. Let the trade rumors begin as the Thrashers now have 3 NHL capable goalies on their roster.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Tomas Holmstrom and Drew Miller left Saturday’s game with an injury, but both are expected to play on Tuesday. Niklas Kronwall might be ready to go as well, the same with Johan Franzen.

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    Souray provides list, 10 Intriguing Teams for Kevin Allen, Could the Hawks go after Niedermayer? Could the Predators trade Hamhuis?

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on February 5th, 2010

    • 1:00 pm: The St. Louis Blues made a push Ilya Kovalchuk, but felt the Thrashers wanted a little more than they were willing to give up. ”We had been working at it for the better part of the week,” Davidson said. “We had great conversations with Atlanta. We talked to them about various thoughts and ideas and put (a trade proposal) together. It never came to fruition.” Davidson wouldn’t comment on whether they would pursue Kovalchuk in the off-season
      10:00 am:
    • Darren Dreger of TSN: Sheldon Souray has provided GM Steve Tambellini with a list of at least 6 teams that he’d waive his no-trade clause for. Western Conference teams are the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, and Los Angeles Kings. Eastern Conference teams are the Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, and Washington Capitals. It hasn’t been said if any of those teams are interested in him.
    • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Allen looks at 10 teams that have the most intriguing decisions to make:
      • Carolina Hurricanes: Available are Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen, Niclas Wallin (going to SJ?), Aaron Ward and Stephane Yelle.
      • Washington Capitals: Could use an upgrade on defense. Do they need to add another goalie with the health issues surrounding Semyon Varlamov?
      • Nashville Predators: Dan Hamhuis is a UFA at seasons end, and they may not be able to pay him what he could get on the open market. Could use some scoring help. Also involving the Predators but not mentioned by Allen is that both Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne are UFAs at seasons end.
      • Atlanta Thrashers: Colby Armstrong and Kari Lehtonen can be had for the right price.
      • Toronto Maple Leafs: Forwards Alexei Ponikarovsky and Lee Stempniak are available. Tomas Kaberle might think about waiving his no trade clause.
      • Edmonton Oilers: Lubomir Visnovsky and Ethan Moreau amongst others are available.
      • Dallas Stars: If they are out of the playoff hunt, Jere Lehtinen, Marty Turco, and/or Steve Ott could be available.
      • Pittsburgh Penguins: They could use a scoring winger or two for Malkin and/or Crosby.
      • New Jersey Devils: After trading Dman Johnny Oduya, Lou may look at adding a Dman.
      • Ottawa Senators: May add a piece or two.
    • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Chicago Blackhawks could be looking to add a defenseman or 2, and perhaps a center. Could they make a run at Scott Niedermayer if he becomes available?
    • Scott Burnside of ESPN: Could the Nashville Predators trade UFA Dan Hamhuis at the deadline if they feel they can’t sign him to a contract extension?
    • John Kincade of The Fan 680 via Twitter: Kari Lehtonen will most likely be dealt, with the Stars and Blues as the current frontrunners.
    • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are trying to move UFA Fernando Pisani. Some things that might hold up a deal; he makes $2.5 this year, and has missed 107 of the Oilers’ last 218 games with ulcerative colitis, a broken leg, and a bad back. The Oilers say they won’t give up draft picks to move the contracts of Ethan Moreau or Steve Staios. The Oils may also look to move UFAs Mike Comrie and Jason Strudwick. Patrick O’Sullivan and his $2.9 cap hit could also be on the move. The Montreal Canadiens might have an interest in O’Sullivan.

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    Komisarek done for the year, Nic Wallin to Sharks? Extension for Emery? Possible Moves for Dallas and Boston

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 4th, 2010

    • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: The Toronto Maple Leafs and the USA Olympic team took a hit yesterday, when it was announced that defenseman Mike Komisarek is done for year. Komisarek has already been out for a month, will required season ending shoulder surgery.
    • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks GM Doug Wilson is heading out on the road with his team on a 10 day, 6 game road trip, but he’ll also be checking out other games as he looks for potential trade partners. He’ll be watching some NHL games, as well as junior and college games. The Sharks have been rumored to be looking for some defensive depth, and Niclas Wallin (Carolina) could be waiving his no-trade clause to join the Sharks.
    • Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren plans on meeting with Ray Emery’s agent in March to discuss contract extension. Emery has a 16-11-1 record, 2.64 GAA, and a .905 save percentage in 29 games.
    • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars could move Marty Turco, but they would need to acquire a goalie in that deal, or acquire one beforehand. The Stars are still in the playoff race, and don’t want to give up on the season. Jaroslav Halak and Cory Schneider are options, but the price is high. Kari Lehtonen of Atlanta is also an option, but he’s just coming back from back surgery and doesn’t have a good medical history. The Stars are trying to resign Steve Ott who’s a UFA at seasons end, but he could be dealt if they don’t think they can resign him. He’s looking for something in the 3 years/$9 million (Dustin Byfuglien) and 4 years/$15.5 million (Sean Avery) range. Mike Ribeiro has 3 years at $5 million a season could also be trade bait for a top level defenseman.
    • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Martin Biron is most likely and on move. The Canadiens might have an interest if they move either Price or Halak. The Kings might look for a veteran goalie like Biron or Turco (A smart idea in my opinion). The Sabres could be looking for a backup goalie, Biron is an option.
    • James Murphy of NESN: Some trade possibilities for the Boston Bruins. The Oilers are listening to offers for Andrew Cogliano, though he’d cost more for the Bruins than a Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen or Aaron Ward. Lubomir Visnovsky has a high salary, so he’d be a difficult move. Tomas Kaberle could be back in play for the Bruins (I’ve thought about this for a couple weeks, would the Bruins send Toronto’s 1st round pick back to the Leafs for Kaberle?). Cam Barker and Patrick Sharp are other possibilities, but Chicago may not want to break up the chemistry.
    • TheFourthPeriod: With Mike Cammalleri out for 6 weeks, the Canadiens could be looking for some scoring help, and have been linked to Ray Whitney and Paul Kariya.
    • TSN Staff: The Islanders have place Brendan Witt on waivers. Witt has missed most of the last month with a knee injury, and was just activated off of IR.

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    Niedermayer staying with Ducks? Two Leafs wanting a trade, Red Wings injury situation, Lehtonen on the Block?

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 28th, 2010

    • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: If the Ducks continue to gain ground on the last playoff spot, the decision for Scott Niedermayer staying in Anaheim becomes easier, he won’t be going anywhere.
    • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: A good article from Simmons about the situation Brian Burke finds himself in. Burke has been trying to make some changes, but has had no luck so far. Don’t expect much to happen (other than rumors) before March 3rd. According to Burke, “Unfortunately, (talking trade) is like being a farmer. You plant your crop and then you do nothing but wait.”
    • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Both Garnet Exelby and Jamal Mayers have spoken with Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke, and they wouldn’t mind being traded at the deadline. The fact that Mayers was looking to move on, was leaked yesterday. “I’m willing to do whatever I can to help the team. If that means moving on, then that’s the way it has to be,” said Mayers. “I haven’t had a chance to win yet, so I’d certainly like that opportunity but I can’t control that. I certainly like to think I come to the rink every day to play hard.”
    • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Thrashers goalie Kari Lehtonen is due to return from his AHL conditioning stint next week. That will give the Thrashers 3 goalies (Lehtonen, Johan Hedberg and Ondrej Pavelec), and most likely a new home for one of them. Lehtonen is the most likely to go, but his back issues may scare some teams off.
    • TheFourthPeriod: The Capitals and Nicklas Backstrom are taking their time with regards to a contract extension. The Caps are reportedly in the market for a 2nd line center, and a top four physical defenseman. The Blues might be a team they are talking with.
    • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: If the trade deadline was tomorrow, Capitals GM George McPhee wouldn’t do anything. I’m not sure if this was said before Jose Theodore left Tuesday’s game with a lower-body injury. If healthy, Varlamov is their playoff goalie, but he’s been out for awhile, and his return is not known at the moment. I think they should consider another goalie option, as health could become a problem down the stretch and in the playoffs.
    • AP in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Unable to find a trade partner for Petr Sykora, the Minnesota Wild have sent him to their AHL affiliate, where he’s not expected to show up.
    • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: With Johan Franzen, Tomas Holmstrom, and Jason Williams returning to the Red Wings lineup soon, management may be forced to make some roster/salary adjustments. When Holmstrom and Williams return (and if there are no other injuries - below post might help a little) they will be over the roster limit of 23. Justin Abdelkader doesn’t need to clear waivers, so he will most likely be sent to the AHL. When Franzen returns, the Wings will have to shed $1.5 million in salary, as they’ll be over the cap limit.
    • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: With all the good news on the Detroit injury front, you knew something had to give. Brad Stuart left last night’s game in the first period with a sprained left shoulder.

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    Around the Boards: Filatov moved at the Draft? Leafs losing trade value, Franzen back before Olympics? Hossa day-to-day

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 11th, 2010

    • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: He doesn’t think the Blackhawks should make a run at Kovalchuk. Henrik Sedin could be Hart trophy winner. Tyler Myers in the lead for Calder Trophy. The Blue Jackets could move Nikita Filatov at entry draft for a top 4 defenceman.
    • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: The mounting loses for the Maple Leafs are doing little to the trade value for their veteran players. Players that might have had some trade value, Stajan, Hagman, and Ponikarovsky have struggled recently. Tomas Kaberle is basically on the only Leaf that could fetch a nice package, a 1st round plus a top prospect or 2, or a top 6 forward, though he most likely won’t be dealt.
    • Larry Brooks of the USA Today: Brooks thinks the Rangers should rebuild and trade off UFA’s Vinny Prospal and Christopher Higgens and RFA Dan Girardi.
    • Helen St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Johan Franzen thinks he might be able to return to the Red Wings lineup before the Olympics.
    • Jimmy Murphy of NESN (via Twitter): The Boston Bruins are looking at what the Oilers and Hurricanes have to trade. They have interest in Ray Whitney.
    • Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune: Marian Hossa missed Sunday’s game with a lower-body injury. He’s listed as day-to-day, which coach Quenneville hopeful that he’ll be back Thrusday. Cam Barker has been out the last 4 games, and might be ready for Thursday.
    • Kevin Allen of the USA Today:
      • The Thrashers could be looking to move both Kovalchuk and Kari Lehtonen, who’s close to returning.
      • Tomas Kaberle may give list of teams he might accept a trade to Brian Burke at the trade deadline.
      • Teams that could be interested in Teemu Selanne: Pittsburgh, Boston, and Calgary.
      • Philadelphia may make a significant move at the deadline.
      • The Capitals are looking for a proven defencemen.

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    Around the Boards: Forsberg, Lehtonen, and Kessel

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 5th, 2009

    • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers have confirmed their interest in Peter Forsberg. “Yes, we have interest in Forsberg,” GM Glen Sather said. “From the reports we’ve been getting, the foot is much better than it was a year ago.” I see the Colorado Avalanche and the Philadelphia Flyers as the leading NHL clubs to land Forsberg, based on his apparently loyalty to past teams, though I can see the Flyers having trouble luring him due to salary cap restraints. With the Avalanche off to such a hot start, I think they are the leading candidates. Washington provides the most intrigue for him, possibly playing with Ovechkin or Semin would interest anyone.
    • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Despite the injuries to Simon Gagne and Danny Briere, the Flyers are not interested in Forsberg.
    • The AP through The Globe and Mail: Kari Lehtonen, who’s already out recovering from back surgery, will undergo a second surgery and will be 6 to 8 weeks.
    • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Phil Kessel coming off his 10 shot Maple Leafs debut on Tuesday, found himself with a new centerman, John Mitchell, yesterday at practice. After 1 game Matt Stajan has possibly found himself off the Kessel-Blake line. Strange. Stajan worked okay with Kessel and Blake on Tuesday, but on occasion was too focused on getting Kessel than shooting at the partially open net.
    • Chric Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Jonathan Toews practiced with teammates yesterday, and will be a game day decision.

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    Around the Boards: Sat. Oct. 24th

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 24th, 2009

    • Damien Cox of the Toronto Sun: Leaf fans are marking Nov. 3rd down on their calenders. Ron Wilson said that is the day they expect Phil Kessel to receive clearance for game action. That would be a little earlier than expected, mid-November was what they were hoping for initially.
    • The Denver Post: Darcy Tucker was hammered from behind by Tuomo Ruutu last night, and was carted off on a stretcher. He looked like he was knocked unconscious before he hit the ice. Tucker was alert while being examined at the hospital.
    • Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Atlanta Thrashers goalie, Kari Lehtonen, continues to experience pain in his legs following his July back surgery. There is no time table for his return.
    • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Good news for Cristobal Huet fantasy owners, he’s still with the big club, and expected to start tonight.
    • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: 3 new lines for the Philadelphia Flyers: Claude Giroux centering Gagne and Ian Laperriere, Mike Richards centering Scott Hartnell and Aaron Asham, Danny Briere centering Jeff Carter and James van Riemsdyk. Ray Emery starts tonight, Brian Boucher starts tomorrow.

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