The Dallas Stars solidified their goaltending for next season, signing Kari Lehtonen on Tuesday to a three-year, $10.65 million contract.
Lehtonen arrived in Dallas on Feb. 9 in a trade with the Atlanta Thrashers. Dallas sent defenseman Ivan Vishnevskiy and a 2010 fourth-round draft pick to the Thrashers for the goaltender Atlanta chose with the second pick of the 2002 Entry Draft.
"We were excited to acquire Kari Lehtonen in February because of his size, skill and potential to once again be a top-tier goaltender in this League," Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said. "His play during the last month of the season reaffirmed our belief that he can be our starter for next year and seasons to come. We're very happy to agree to terms with Kari on this contract extension."
Lehtonen went 6-4-0 with a 2.81 goals-against average and .911 save percentage in 12 games with the Stars. Those were the only NHL games he played this season due to September back surgery.
The 26-year-old goalie is 100-87-17, with a 2.87 GAA and .912 save percentage in 216 games with the Thrashers and Stars.
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