Present #3: Mikko Lehtonen Picks Up Right Where he Finished off in Russia
If you haven’t heard of Finnish defenseman Mikko Lehtonen yet, then odds are you’re probably living under a rock.. but that’s alright, I’ll fill you in.
In the 2018-19 season, Mikko Lehtonen recorded 17 goals and 49 points in 60 games with Jokerit Helsinki of the KHL. Not only that, but he was also given these awards:
- KHL All-Star
- KHL Defenseman of the Month (January)
- KHL Defenseman of the Month (December)
- KHL Defenseman of the Month (November)
- KHL Most Assists by Defenseman (32)
- KHL Most Goals by Defenseman (17)
- KHL Most Points by Defenseman (49)
- KHL Defenceman of the Year
This season after signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Lehtonen went back to Helsinki (on loan) and picked up right where he left off. In 17 games, Lehtonen put up 8 goals and 17 points. Lehtonen was a human highlight reel.
He can do this all game long.
— KHL (@khl_eng) October 6, 2020
🚨🚨 & 🍎🍎 for Mikko Lehtonen 🇫🇮 tonight. pic.twitter.com/lpz06kgUsm
There’s no question that transitioning to the North American game can be difficult for any player, but there are instances (i.e. Panarin) where players come over with minimal difficulties and produce at extraordinary levels. This is just exactly what the Leafs want.
Lehtonen can play long minutes in all situations and when training camp comes, soon we’ll be able to see just where he fits in on the Toronto Maple Leafs roster. Hopefully at minimum Lehtonen will play in a top-six role for the Leafs.