Just signed Leafs d-man Mikko Lehtonen wins big award in the KHL
When it was announced recently that the Toronto Maple Leafs had signed Mikko Lehtonen, it came as somewhat of a surprise. Lehtonen, who had just completed a break out year in the KHL with Jokerit Helsinki, had announced his intention of signing in North America, but Toronto had not been at or near the top of the list of teams rumoured to be pursuing the blueliner. Now we're getting a glimpse of how special Lehtonen could end up being in the NHL.
Coming off a season where he scored a career high in goals (17), assists (32), and points (49), the 26-year-old has been named the Best Defenceman in the KHL for the 2019-20 season.
Lehtonen recently signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth $925,000. If he can maintain his level of play in the NHL, the contract will look like an absolute steal.
Lehtonen was never drafted and is, indeed, a late bloomer. Besides his breakout season in the KHL, he also played a starring role in a surprising Finnish gold-medal win and earned a spot on the tournament all-star team.
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