Stars sign Lehtonen to five-year extension

Frisco, TX – The Dallas Stars have signed goaltender Kari Lehtonen to a five-year contract extension worth $29.5 million.

Lehtonen went 32-22-4 with a .922 save percentage, a 2.33 goals against average and four shutouts in 59 games for the Stars last season.

"Kari Lehtonen has worked extremely hard in his time with the Dallas Stars to establish himself as an elite goaltender in the NHL," said Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk. "We believe that his best days as a goaltender are ahead, and that his work ethic and leadership will help guide this team into a perennial Stanley Cup contender."

Originally selected by the Atlanta Thrashers with the second overall pick in the 2002 draft, Lehtonen has 166 wins in 344 career games, with a 2.71 GAA and .914 save percentage.