Mikko Lehtonen
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Blue Jackets
Mikko Lehtonen Heads To Columbus In Trade
The Toronto Maple Leafs traded defenseman Mikko Lehtonen to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday in exchange for goaltender Veini Vehvilainen. The Leafs were looking for some goalie depth and happily gave up Lehtonen, who managed only nine outings for the team during his debut campaign in the NHL. Lehtonen, who posted three points for the Leafs, was a highly-coveted free agent after recording a 49-point season in the KHL and Columbus was among the teams chasing him, so they finally get their man. However, before suiting up for the Jackets, Lehtonen has to get a work visa and then sit through a quarantine period. He'll join the club's taxi squad at first but the 27-year-old should get a proper look by John Tortorella, whose side has struggled this season. Vehvilainen, who has only one NHL appearance to his name, will be an emergency option for Toronto.
Mar 13, 2021