Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars have locked up goalie Kari Lehtonen for 3 years at $10.65 million, a salary cap number of $3.55 million a season. He’ll make $2.7 million next season, $3.7 million in 2011-12, and $4.25 million in 2012-13.
Lehtonen was acquired by the Stars in February from the Atlanta Thrashers. He posted a 2.44 GAA and .926 SV% down the stretch with a record 6-3-0, and showed management enough that his back was okay. Lehtonen had 2 surgeries on his back last off-season.
The former 2nd overall pick in 2002, has battled injuries throughout his career. He’s posted a 100-87-17 career record, with a 2.87 GAA and .912 SV%.
With the amount of injuries Lehtonen’s had in his career, especially with a wonky back, I hope the Stars have faith in their backup, as I’m sure he’ll see plenty of action. The Stars are putting a lot of faith in a goalie with a shaky history.
