So who exactly is Mikko Lehtonen and why should the Toronto Maple Leafs sign him?
Well for starters, he’s a 26-year-old left-shot defenseman who has spent most of his professional career playing in the Finnish and Swedish Elite Hockey Leagues, until recently playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Heading into next season the Toronto Maple Leafs currently have six defenseman signed and three pending RFA or UFA’s.
Currently Signed:
- Morgan Rielly
- Jake Muzzin
- Rasmus Sandin
- Calle Rosen
- Martin Marincin
- Justin Holl
Pending RFA & UFA’s:
- Tyson Barrie
- Travis Dermott
- Cody Ceci
Of those players that are currently signed next season, Rosen is exempt from waivers so he can go up and down with the Marlies, and Marincin is likely expendable.