Things never quite panned out for 27 year-old defenseman Mikko Lehtonen and the Toronto Maple Leafs. That’s why the Columbus Blue Jackets traded goalie prospect, Veini Vehvilainen for him.
NHL News: Blue Jackets trade for Mikko Lehtonen
Jarmo Kekalainen pursued the Finnish defenseman this offseason before Lehtonen opted to sign with the Maple Leafs. Columbus has assigned him to their taxi squad as he works on his visa and goes through quarantine.
Lehtonen, 27, who was signed by the Maple Leafs to a one-year, entry level contract on May 4, 2020, made his NHL debut with the club this season and collected three assists with four penalty minutes and a +1 plus/minus rating in nine games.