Top KHL defenceman Mikko Lehtonen making the jump to North America
Mikko Lehtonen, the top scoring defenceman in the KHL in 2019-20, is parting ways with his current team in order to make the jump to the NHL. An announcement from the KHL states Lehtonon and JOkerit mutually agreed to terminate his contract so that he can sign a new one in North America.
The 26-year-old Finn had 17 goals and 49 points in 60 games this season. This was his first season playing in the KHL. He had previously played in the Swedish Hockey League and and the Finnish Elite League. 2019-20 was a breakout year for him as he set career highs in goals, assists and points.
As for which NHL team Lehtonen will be signing with, that is not yet known. However, it's likely several teams will be interested in a puck-moving offensive defenceman.
Lehtonen's career highlights include winning a goal medla with Team Finland at the 2014 World Junior Hockey Championships and another gold with Finland at the 2019 World Championships.
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