Welcome to Leafs Nation, Mikko!
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 4, 2020
The Maple Leafs have signed defenceman Mikko Lehtonen to a one-year entry level contract. #LeafsForever
Details: https://t.co/y2g4D4ufU8 pic.twitter.com/76VN57iVN0
Lehtonen is also not just a pure offensive player who would be a liability defensively. He’s not a defensive stud but he plays an NHL level two-way game already. He is also a very good skater which obviously helps matters. He is expected to be NHL ready right away with no time needed in the AHL. Most likely he’ll start on the bottom pair and play on the second power play unit but he could work his way up to the second pair depending on the team he signs with.
I think Dermott might be in the middle of a pretty good trade package.
I think Dermott might be in the middle of a pretty good trade package.
Yeah I think he's one of the more likely guys to get traded this offseason. Especially after this signing.
?s=19Lehtonen is a left shot who played left side in KHL this season but he did play RD for FIN at last year’s World Championship. He’s a candidate, along with multiple others, to play RD but Travis Dermott is probably the LS D with the most experience/aptitude to play RS. https://t.co/8aalTq74nE
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 4, 2020
Here are some Mikko Lehtonen highlights for #LeafsForever fans. pic.twitter.com/uxfzrPWDg3
— Alex Nunn (@aj_ranger) May 4, 2020
It appears RHDs don't exist anywhere on this planet.
Lehtonen is a left shot who played left side in KHL this season but he did play RD for FIN at last year’s World Championship. He’s a candidate, along with multiple others, to play RD but Travis Dermott is probably the LS D with the most experience/aptitude to play RS. https://t.co/8aalTq74nE
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 4, 2020
The KHL had player and puck tracking for the first time this season, and though I can't find all the data, here are a couple notes on the newest #Leafs defenceman Mikko Lehtonen:
— Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) May 4, 2020
Apparently Habs fans wanted this guy, so I'm good with this move
Mikko Lehtonen is described as a strong skater and one of the best defencemen in Europe. And he's been hiding in plain sight.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 4, 2020
A look at what the #leafs are getting, including thoughts from his former coach on whether Lehtonen can play his off side: https://t.co/mYdQ3IwRuQ
Leafs' Mikko Lehtonen says he played an entire season on the right side in Sweden. Fine playing either side, he says.
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) May 4, 2020
Woah this came out of nowhere. I remember reading that this guy was supposed to be pretty decent but never really looked closely because the Leafs weren't being linked to him.
A lefty though, weird.
Apparently Habs fans wanted this guy, so I'm good with this move
Apparently Habs fans wanted this guy, so I'm good with this move
Do you think Montreal having the worst current COVID outbreak in Canada played a role?
Mikko Lehtonen is described as a strong skater and one of the best defencemen in Europe. And he's been hiding in plain sight.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 4, 2020
A look at what the #leafs are getting, including thoughts from his former coach on whether Lehtonen can play his off side: https://t.co/mYdQ3IwRuQ
When Lauri Marjamaki was coaching the Finnish national team, he always found Mikko Lehtonen to be a particularly keen student.
They would speak occasionally in Tampere about the defenceman’s growth and it wasn’t only the coach doing the talking. Lehtonen wanted to know what Marjamaki saw in the details of his game. He’d ask for development targets.
“He wants to all the time know,” Marjamaki recalled Monday. “I think that it is one of the reasons why he is now so good because he is so motivated all the time and he needs so much feedback from the coaches and everyone.”
It appears RHDs don't exist anywhere on this planet.
I actually wonder how many Crazy Hockey Dads are giving their kids right-handed sticks when they first start to play for this reason.
Apparently Habs fans wanted this guy, so I'm good with this move
Do you think Montreal having the worst current COVID outbreak in Canada played a role?
I think it's more likely that he just didn't want to play on a crappy team.
I've heard it said that the earlier a kid starts the more likely they are to be left handed. It has something to do with younger kids preferring their dominant hand at the top and older kids naturally putting it mid stick, and most people are right hand dominant.It appears RHDs don't exist anywhere on this planet.
I actually wonder how many Crazy Hockey Dads are giving their kids right-handed sticks when they first start to play for this reason.
On a whole, there's not many right handed players any more. Probably 2 or 3 to 1, Lefties to Righties on any team I've every coached. Out of 15 skaters this past season I had 2. Both forwards. The year before I had 3. All defence.
I've heard it said that the earlier a kid starts the more likely they are to be left handed. It has something to do with younger kids preferring their dominant hand at the top and older kids naturally putting it mid stick, and most people are right hand dominant.It appears RHDs don't exist anywhere on this planet.
I actually wonder how many Crazy Hockey Dads are giving their kids right-handed sticks when they first start to play for this reason.
On a whole, there's not many right handed players any more. Probably 2 or 3 to 1, Lefties to Righties on any team I've every coached. Out of 15 skaters this past season I had 2. Both forwards. The year before I had 3. All defence.
The study was done to understand why traditionally Canada produces more lefties and the rest of the world always had more righties. That's changing now though, even in Canada kids are starting earlier than they used to. Most people I know started their kids at 3 years old. Mine started at 4 and even that seemed earlier than necessary. I started at 5 when I was little, but there's real pressure to get them going as soon as they can.
I'm wondering if Lehtonen/his agent basically looked at the Leafs' talent pool on D, as well as overall organizational strengths, and determined he'd likely have the best shot to play meaningful larger market/higher profile NHL minutes above the 4th pairing.
He'll be the third Mikko Lehtonen in the NHL. There's also been a Mikko Lahtinen and Miikka Lehtonen.
Although Kyle Dubas wouldn’t commit to a pairing or position for his latest European prize in 2020-21, the general manager underscored Lehtonen’s versatility as a bonus.
“I played in Sweden a whole season on the right side [with HV71 Jonkoping in 2018-19], so it’s not important to me. Doesn’t matter, right or left side, I’m OK with both. Actually, sometimes I like more right side,” Lehtonen said on a conference call Monday.
Lehtonen played alongside three primary defence partners this season: righty Alex Grant and lefties David Sklenicka and Viktor Loov. What’s noteworthy about that is that with both Loov and Sklenicka, Lehtonen played the majority of his shifts on the left side. Though Lehtonen does have some experience on his off-side he can lean on if the Leafs ask, it’s definitely worth noting that he wasn’t asked to do that in the KHL, despite playing on a team that also had a predominantly left-handed defence. His ability to play his off-side could dictate his ability to win minutes with the Leafs.
Lehtonen can also kill penalties. It’s easy to look at his production, assume he was deployed in offensive situations and wonder whether he’ll be able to help out a power play that ranked 21st in the NHL this season. He’s not a big shot-blocker, but he can hold his own on the penalty kill.
I’ll be interested to see what he weighs in at with the Leafs because, despite the fact he’s only 6-foot, he looks heavy out there and he plays like it too. And that has helped him defensively in recent years.
[...]
The one quality of his game that stands out is his long-range, one-timer. This is something the Leafs have lacked in recent years. Though Morgan Rielly led all NHL defencemen in goals two years ago, he did it with a wrister. And though Tyson Barrie has long been one of the NHL’s more prolific scoring defencemen, he has done it more as a volume shooter than as a shot threat. Lehtonen’s game definitely resembles Barrie’s in the shot-volume category. He shoots a little too much and that was reflected in his 184 shots on goal (second among all KHL defencemen) this season.
I've heard it said that the earlier a kid starts the more likely they are to be left handed. It has something to do with younger kids preferring their dominant hand at the top and older kids naturally putting it mid stick, and most people are right hand dominant.It appears RHDs don't exist anywhere on this planet.
I actually wonder how many Crazy Hockey Dads are giving their kids right-handed sticks when they first start to play for this reason.
On a whole, there's not many right handed players any more. Probably 2 or 3 to 1, Lefties to Righties on any team I've every coached. Out of 15 skaters this past season I had 2. Both forwards. The year before I had 3. All defence.
The study was done to understand why traditionally Canada produces more lefties and the rest of the world always had more righties. That's changing now though, even in Canada kids are starting earlier than they used to. Most people I know started their kids at 3 years old. Mine started at 4 and even that seemed earlier than necessary. I started at 5 when I was little, but there's real pressure to get them going as soon as they can.
I've heard it said that the earlier a kid starts the more likely they are to be left handed. It has something to do with younger kids preferring their dominant hand at the top and older kids naturally putting it mid stick, and most people are right hand dominant.It appears RHDs don't exist anywhere on this planet.
I actually wonder how many Crazy Hockey Dads are giving their kids right-handed sticks when they first start to play for this reason.
On a whole, there's not many right handed players any more. Probably 2 or 3 to 1, Lefties to Righties on any team I've every coached. Out of 15 skaters this past season I had 2. Both forwards. The year before I had 3. All defence.
The study was done to understand why traditionally Canada produces more lefties and the rest of the world always had more righties. That's changing now though, even in Canada kids are starting earlier than they used to. Most people I know started their kids at 3 years old. Mine started at 4 and even that seemed earlier than necessary. I started at 5 when I was little, but there's real pressure to get them going as soon as they can.
https://www.purehockey.com/c/why-are-so-many-hockey-players-left-handed
Some interesting stats in there.
My admittedly old-timer theory is that when when my generation were kids, the majority of sticks were right handed, and basically, sticks were passed down and we learned to use whatever was available. On my old-timer team, I'd say 75% of us are right shots.
Kids now often seem to get new equipment to start the sport, or at least, have more choice in the matter.
I've heard it said that the earlier a kid starts the more likely they are to be left handed. It has something to do with younger kids preferring their dominant hand at the top and older kids naturally putting it mid stick, and most people are right hand dominant.It appears RHDs don't exist anywhere on this planet.
I actually wonder how many Crazy Hockey Dads are giving their kids right-handed sticks when they first start to play for this reason.
On a whole, there's not many right handed players any more. Probably 2 or 3 to 1, Lefties to Righties on any team I've every coached. Out of 15 skaters this past season I had 2. Both forwards. The year before I had 3. All defence.
The study was done to understand why traditionally Canada produces more lefties and the rest of the world always had more righties. That's changing now though, even in Canada kids are starting earlier than they used to. Most people I know started their kids at 3 years old. Mine started at 4 and even that seemed earlier than necessary. I started at 5 when I was little, but there's real pressure to get them going as soon as they can.
My daughter started skating at 3 and playing at 4. I gave her a straight stick at all times(road hockey, hitting a ball around the recroom, etc; ) She appeared to be leaning towards being right handed shot, but once we put her on the ice with a stick, she flipped to the left side.
I've heard it said that the earlier a kid starts the more likely they are to be left handed. It has something to do with younger kids preferring their dominant hand at the top and older kids naturally putting it mid stick, and most people are right hand dominant.It appears RHDs don't exist anywhere on this planet.
I actually wonder how many Crazy Hockey Dads are giving their kids right-handed sticks when they first start to play for this reason.
On a whole, there's not many right handed players any more. Probably 2 or 3 to 1, Lefties to Righties on any team I've every coached. Out of 15 skaters this past season I had 2. Both forwards. The year before I had 3. All defence.
The study was done to understand why traditionally Canada produces more lefties and the rest of the world always had more righties. That's changing now though, even in Canada kids are starting earlier than they used to. Most people I know started their kids at 3 years old. Mine started at 4 and even that seemed earlier than necessary. I started at 5 when I was little, but there's real pressure to get them going as soon as they can.
My daughter started skating at 3 and playing at 4. I gave her a straight stick at all times(road hockey, hitting a ball around the recroom, etc; ) She appeared to be leaning towards being right handed shot, but once we put her on the ice with a stick, she flipped to the left side.
I just felt being a right shot was natural but it really makes no sense since I catch left, I should be a left shot (especially if you wanted to be a goalie). Also strong hand should be on the butt end. Ah whatever!
I just watched the Athletic tape review of Lehtonen, he is not flashy at all, the word I would use is "Steady", very collected with the puck and makes the short pass very well, although he can stretch it when he needs to. Excellent puck carrier. I think he will settle things down out there. Hope he can play the RHS, like to see him paired with Rielly.
Hard to be worse than Zaitsev.I just watched the Athletic tape review of Lehtonen, he is not flashy at all, the word I would use is "Steady", very collected with the puck and makes the short pass very well, although he can stretch it when he needs to. Excellent puck carrier. I think he will settle things down out there. Hope he can play the RHS, like to see him paired with Rielly.
I saw the clips too. A bunch of point shots, skating the puck up through relatively open ice to the opposing blue line and dumping it in. Is he as good as Zaitsev? Better? Worse? I have no idea. I don’t think his offense is going to be any better than Dermott’s though. He won’t get PP time (or if he does, it’s unlikely to make the pp any better than the next guy) and he won’t score often on those point shots.
How good is his gap control? Can he make a pass when pressured by NHL forwards. Can he prevent passes to the slot? I wish I knew! But he’s another chance at a decent 4-7 d which is a good thing to have at $950K.
I just watched the Athletic tape review of Lehtonen, he is not flashy at all, the word I would use is "Steady", very collected with the puck and makes the short pass very well, although he can stretch it when he needs to. Excellent puck carrier. I think he will settle things down out there. Hope he can play the RHS, like to see him paired with Rielly.
I saw the clips too. A bunch of point shots, skating the puck up through relatively open ice to the opposing blue line and dumping it in. Is he as good as Zaitsev? Better? Worse? I have no idea. I don’t think his offense is going to be any better than Dermott’s though. He won’t get PP time (or if he does, it’s unlikely to make the pp any better than the next guy) and he won’t score often on those point shots.
How good is his gap control? Can he make a pass when pressured by NHL forwards. Can he prevent passes to the slot? I wish I knew! But he’s another chance at a decent 4-7 d which is a good thing to have at $950K.
18) Boy, were some teams sour at the Maple Leafs landing Finnish defender Mikko Lehtonen. There was a lot of interest. I’d be lying if I said I’ve seen much of him, but his talent is widely respected. Jokerit indicated he had another year left on his contract, so several potential NHL destinations peeled off. Toronto was persistent.
Another team indicated they were told Lehtonen would be let out of his contract if he found a situation he wanted. That fits with a second organization indicating that when Jokerit announced Lehtonen’s release, he already knew where he was going.
I just watched the Athletic tape review of Lehtonen, he is not flashy at all, the word I would use is "Steady", very collected with the puck and makes the short pass very well, although he can stretch it when he needs to. Excellent puck carrier. I think he will settle things down out there. Hope he can play the RHS, like to see him paired with Rielly.
I saw the clips too. A bunch of point shots, skating the puck up through relatively open ice to the opposing blue line and dumping it in. Is he as good as Zaitsev? Better? Worse? I have no idea. I don’t think his offense is going to be any better than Dermott’s though. He won’t get PP time (or if he does, it’s unlikely to make the pp any better than the next guy) and he won’t score often on those point shots.
How good is his gap control? Can he make a pass when pressured by NHL forwards. Can he prevent passes to the slot? I wish I knew! But he’s another chance at a decent 4-7 d which is a good thing to have at $950K.
I don't know that the Leafs should be looking for another defencemen to play the PP.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/31-thoughts-will-nhl-broadcasts-look-season-resumes/Quote18) Boy, were some teams sour at the Maple Leafs landing Finnish defender Mikko Lehtonen. There was a lot of interest. I’d be lying if I said I’ve seen much of him, but his talent is widely respected. Jokerit indicated he had another year left on his contract, so several potential NHL destinations peeled off. Toronto was persistent.
Another team indicated they were told Lehtonen would be let out of his contract if he found a situation he wanted. That fits with a second organization indicating that when Jokerit announced Lehtonen’s release, he already knew where he was going.
"Some teams" lol try a little harder next time Bergevin.
I don't get the "being sour" at the Leafs.
Just looking over some of his highlights and what stands out to me is his point shot. Seems to find the way to the back of the net a lot.
Let’s hope we see more of that with the Leafs!
Just a few weeks after signing with the @MapleLeafs, Mikko Lehtonen has been named the KHL’s defenceman of the year.https://t.co/Y100Girfp6
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 18, 2020
Best not to draw too many conclusions from a highlight pack, especially for defensemen, as they're normally centered on (relatively rare) scoring plays and it's hard to gauge the frequency these plays happen (we do have a raw count of his points...) as it just leads to survivor bias;
Ben Harpur will likely be slotted in as an insurance piece for the blueline but also has good size.
— Michael (@TheLeafsIMO) July 2, 2019
He also likes to jump into the rush and fire the puck in transition, as seen below. pic.twitter.com/SYnNJghqml
Best not to draw too many conclusions from a highlight pack, especially for defensemen, as they're normally centered on (relatively rare) scoring plays and it's hard to gauge the frequency these plays happen (we do have a raw count of his points...) as it just leads to survivor bias;I'll never forget this tweet, which used Ben Harpur's one (1) NHL goal in 103 games to make it seem like he's a player who likes to jump into the rush
Lehtonen is on loan to Jokerit, who played their first actual game of the season after boycotting their Belarus/Minsk season opener. Lehtonen gets their first goal of the season off a delayed drag release.First period done in Riga:
— Jokerit Helsinki (@Jokerit_EN) September 5, 2020
❌1-0 Dzierkals
🚨1-1 Lehtonen (Pudas)
Saves:
Galimov 15
Kalnins 3#Jokerit #KHL pic.twitter.com/vDRpOfhcsl
#Leafs defenceman Mikko Lehtonen in his first game of the season for Jokerit:
— Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) September 5, 2020
- Played LD with Jonathan Pudas
- 1 goal on 6 shots
- Registered the hardest shot of the game at 97.3 mph
- Completed 92.7% of his passes
- Reached a top speed of 22 mph
- Covered 5.5 km
Completed passes is something that the NHL probably should have been tracking for years, even before this analytics boom. Would it really be significantly more difficult to track than shots/hits/blocks/giveaways/takeaways?That could be useful and they could take it even further. D zone, O zone, high/low skill.
Completed passes is something that the NHL probably should have been tracking for years, even before this analytics boom. Would it really be significantly more difficult to track than shots/hits/blocks/giveaways/takeaways?
Mäenalanen käyttää nopeuttaan juuri, kun #Jokerit tulee täysilukuiseksi. Nappisyöttö ja @mik_lehtonen viimeistelee 2-0-osuman ajassa 10.03. #KHLfi pic.twitter.com/F3ZP7x0hau
— Helsingin Jokerit (@jokerithc) September 9, 2020
I really wish we had a better idea of what this guy could provide at the NHL level.
Mäenalanen käyttää nopeuttaan juuri, kun #Jokerit tulee täysilukuiseksi. Nappisyöttö ja @mik_lehtonen viimeistelee 2-0-osuman ajassa 10.03. #KHLfi pic.twitter.com/F3ZP7x0hau
— Helsingin Jokerit (@jokerithc) September 9, 2020
Bobi Lehtosen kuljetusliikkeestä, hyvää iltaa. Tilanne 5-0 ajassa 35.51. #Jokerit #KHLfi pic.twitter.com/XzsC5D7pIi
— Helsingin Jokerit (@jokerithc) September 9, 2020
I am deliberately only pulling up Finnish/Russian tweets nowYlivoima toimii toistamiseen tänään: Nicklas Jensen laukoo kauden avausmaalinsa, syöttäjät @mik_lehtonen ja @eeli1999. Tilanne 3-0 ajassa 31.05. #Jokerit #KHLfi pic.twitter.com/IH6I8FzyfK
— Helsingin Jokerit (@jokerithc) September 9, 2020
The opposing team and goaltender are ass-butt, but dude just went far post and in with a backhander from the weak side when the goalie gave him all of the short corner.Welcome to Mikko Lehtonen 🇫🇮 Show. pic.twitter.com/KpWqmeFOAn
— KHL (@khl_eng) September 9, 2020
#Leafs defenceman Mikko Lehtonen today vs. Neftekhimik:
— Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) September 9, 2020
- Played LD with Jonathan Pudas
- 20:01 TOI
- 2 goals on 4 shots
- 34.8 km/h top speed (21.62 mph)
- 4.9 km skated
- Completed 39/44 passes (88.6%)
#Leafs defenceman Mikko Lehtonen and the rest of the Jokerit team are in 14 day mandatory quarantine after their most recent opponent, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, had 7 positive COVID-19 cases upon arrival for their game in Riga.
— Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) September 11, 2020
That sucks, but props to the league for having a mandatory 14 day quarantine for that.
Ugh.That sucks, but props to the league for having a mandatory 14 day quarantine for that.
Mikko Kokkonen's Liiga team (Jukurit) also has suspended play due to multiple positive cases.
That sucks, but props to the league for having a mandatory 14 day quarantine for that.
Don't know why there is not more excitement about Lehtonen. Not saying he is going to be the next coming of Jesus but he was just proclaimed the best D-Man in the KHL. Not exactly a slouch league.
I am hoping he is a pleasant surprise.
Don't know why there is not more excitement about Lehtonen. Not saying he is going to be the next coming of Jesus but he was just proclaimed the best D-Man in the KHL. Not exactly a slouch league.
I am hoping he is a pleasant surprise.
I mean, we've been burned by this a few times before - Ozhiganov, Zaitsev, Frogren, etc. I don't think you can blame people for being a little more guarded about Lehtonen.
I liked Borgman and I think he could have been a 6th or 7th d man. Problem was he's on the left side and there simply wasn't room. He just turned 25 in June. Funny seems like he's been around longer. We'll see how Lehtonen turns out. Looks like he's a player but like always, we'll see how it turns out.Don't know why there is not more excitement about Lehtonen. Not saying he is going to be the next coming of Jesus but he was just proclaimed the best D-Man in the KHL. Not exactly a slouch league.
I am hoping he is a pleasant surprise.
I mean, we've been burned by this a few times before - Ozhiganov, Zaitsev, Frogren, etc. I don't think you can blame people for being a little more guarded about Lehtonen.
Borgman, Rosen...
As someone who is trying to be very cautious about Lehtonen's NHL projections I will say none of those defencemen ever scored anywhere near what Lehtonen did last season and none of them were named their leagues top defenceman.
That doesn't mean his play will definitely translate to the NHL level, but he's definitely got a better track record than the other guys we tried plucking out of Europe.
As someone who is trying to be very cautious about Lehtonen's NHL projections I will say none of those defencemen ever scored anywhere near what Lehtonen did last season and none of them were named their leagues top defenceman.
That doesn't mean his play will definitely translate to the NHL level, but he's definitely got a better track record than the other guys we tried plucking out of Europe.
Wasn't Zaitsev considered one of the best in the KHL?
As someone who is trying to be very cautious about Lehtonen's NHL projections I will say none of those defencemen ever scored anywhere near what Lehtonen did last season and none of them were named their leagues top defenceman.Mirtle wrote this in his last article "I keep hearing very good things about Lehtonen, including the possibility he might be able to play more minutes than people think.
That doesn't mean his play will definitely translate to the NHL level, but he's definitely got a better track record than the other guys we tried plucking out of Europe.
Can he actually defend? The leafs don?t need anymore fancy pass goal scorers.From everything I am reading and seeing about him, he seems to have a well rounded game, but could be a 2nd power play specialist. Perhaps Barrie with a bit more D in his game.
A bit more Barrie than Barrie was for us this season and some defensive instincts would be nice :)Can he actually defend? The leafs don?t need anymore fancy pass goal scorers.From everything I am reading and seeing about him, he seems to have a well rounded game, but could be a 2nd power play specialist. Perhaps Barrie with a bit more D in his game.
I can remember when people liked Zaitsev.Zaitsev had a pretty good first year and actually got 12 PP points. Lou made the mistake of paying him 4.5 for 7 years and Babs played him like a top D man. At 1.5-2 mill he'd be a useful 6th guy. At 4.5 he's way overpaid for what he can bring.
Barrie actually had some decent numbers after Babs got the boot. He was never going to be a great defensive D man. As a 3rd pairing guy, at a reasonable cost and not playing 20 mins a game he'd be fine.A bit more Barrie than Barrie was for us this season and some defensive instincts would be nice :)Can he actually defend? The leafs don?t need anymore fancy pass goal scorers.From everything I am reading and seeing about him, he seems to have a well rounded game, but could be a 2nd power play specialist. Perhaps Barrie with a bit more D in his game.
If he was a cheap 3rd pair guy I'd have no problem.I can remember when people liked Zaitsev.Zaitsev had a pretty good first year and actually got 12 PP points. Lou made the mistake of paying him 4.5 for 7 years and Babs played him like a top D man. At 1.5-2 mill he'd be a useful 6th guy. At 4.5 he's way overpaid for what he can bring.
Definitely.If he was a cheap 3rd pair guy I'd have no problem.I can remember when people liked Zaitsev.Zaitsev had a pretty good first year and actually got 12 PP points. Lou made the mistake of paying him 4.5 for 7 years and Babs played him like a top D man. At 1.5-2 mill he'd be a useful 6th guy. At 4.5 he's way overpaid for what he can bring.
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Jokerit and Mikko Lehtonen 🇫🇮 are back in action, and The Finnish blue liner is eager to show his best once again.
— KHL (@khl_eng) September 24, 2020
(via @gilliankemmerer) https://t.co/gpmVteANOr
GK: Both Marjam?ki and the KHL?s smart puck system agree on one metric: your passing is laser-accurate. Was that a skill that coaches emphasized early on for you?
ML: When I was younger, one of my coaches always said, ?If you can complete nine of ten passes, you can play in better leagues and on better teams." So I think it has always been a big thing in my game. You have to put it on the tape?and it?s hard to say how I practice it, there?s nothing special for that?but I just keep focused on passing.
#Leafs defenceman Mikko Lehtonen is back after Jokerit spent 14 days in quarantine and he hasn't missed a beat.
— Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) September 27, 2020
He's got a point in all 4 of Jokerit's games this season, including two primary assists from point shots against Sibir and CSKA since returning to play. pic.twitter.com/IgSfrCIj85
4th of the seasonAjassa 18.41 #Jokerit tulee ylivoimalla tasoihin! @mik_lehtonen sivaltaa kauden neljännen osumansa, syöttäjät @Brian22ONeill ja @J_Schroeder90. #KHLfi pic.twitter.com/qkXRX0DDgA
— Helsingin Jokerit (@jokerithc) October 1, 2020
He's good at getting the puck on net.4th of the seasonAjassa 18.41 #Jokerit tulee ylivoimalla tasoihin! @mik_lehtonen sivaltaa kauden neljännen osumansa, syöttäjät @Brian22ONeill ja @J_Schroeder90. #KHLfi pic.twitter.com/qkXRX0DDgA
— Helsingin Jokerit (@jokerithc) October 1, 2020
Mikko Lehtonen 🇫🇮 shoots, Mikko Lehtonen 🇫🇮 scores. pic.twitter.com/XCBRaPCGaM
— KHL (@khl_eng) October 6, 2020
2G, 2A on the nightHe can do this all game long.
— KHL (@khl_eng) October 6, 2020
🚨🚨 & 🍎🍎 for Mikko Lehtonen 🇫🇮 tonight. pic.twitter.com/lpz06kgUsm
Kyle Dubas sees d-man Mikko Lehtonen as a power-play option for Keefe/Malhotra
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 8, 2020
"We're excited about him & it's certainly been a benefit for us to see him be able to play in these games for Jokerit"
12 points in 8 KHL games this season
I have a feeling this guy is going to be pushing top 4 by mid season.Kyle Dubas sees d-man Mikko Lehtonen as a power-play option for Keefe/Malhotra
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 8, 2020
"We're excited about him & it's certainly been a benefit for us to see him be able to play in these games for Jokerit"
12 points in 8 KHL games this season
I'm not sure where, but it sure feels like Lehtonen will be on the team whenever the season starts. The fact that he'll have already been playing for months gives him a leg up as well.
Currently 10th in the KHL in scoring. Top-5 in PPG so would be higher if his team didn't have to quarantine for a bit there. 2nd in shots per game (1st is Soshnikov).
I have a feeling this guy is going to be pushing top 4 by mid season.Kyle Dubas sees d-man Mikko Lehtonen as a power-play option for Keefe/Malhotra
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 8, 2020
"We're excited about him & it's certainly been a benefit for us to see him be able to play in these games for Jokerit"
12 points in 8 KHL games this season
I'm not sure where, but it sure feels like Lehtonen will be on the team whenever the season starts. The fact that he'll have already been playing for months gives him a leg up as well.
Currently 10th in the KHL in scoring. Top-5 in PPG so would be higher if his team didn't have to quarantine for a bit there. 2nd in shots per game (1st is Soshnikov).
Yessire Bob!I have a feeling this guy is going to be pushing top 4 by mid season.Kyle Dubas sees d-man Mikko Lehtonen as a power-play option for Keefe/Malhotra
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 8, 2020
"We're excited about him & it's certainly been a benefit for us to see him be able to play in these games for Jokerit"
12 points in 8 KHL games this season
I'm not sure where, but it sure feels like Lehtonen will be on the team whenever the season starts. The fact that he'll have already been playing for months gives him a leg up as well.
Currently 10th in the KHL in scoring. Top-5 in PPG so would be higher if his team didn't have to quarantine for a bit there. 2nd in shots per game (1st is Soshnikov).
I'm guessing top 4 midway through the first period of the season opener.
Haha. Let's hope the Leafs can sign 1 top 4 RD man. That would help a lot and if we can push Holl down to the third pairing eventually, that'll be good.Yessire Bob!I have a feeling this guy is going to be pushing top 4 by mid season.Kyle Dubas sees d-man Mikko Lehtonen as a power-play option for Keefe/Malhotra
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 8, 2020
"We're excited about him & it's certainly been a benefit for us to see him be able to play in these games for Jokerit"
12 points in 8 KHL games this season
I'm not sure where, but it sure feels like Lehtonen will be on the team whenever the season starts. The fact that he'll have already been playing for months gives him a leg up as well.
Currently 10th in the KHL in scoring. Top-5 in PPG so would be higher if his team didn't have to quarantine for a bit there. 2nd in shots per game (1st is Soshnikov).
I'm guessing top 4 midway through the first period of the season opener.
KHL has named Mikko Lehtonen as the league’s best defenseman of last week👏👏
— Jokerit Helsinki (@Jokerit_EN) October 12, 2020
Lehtonen had 2 goals and 3 assists in 2gp. He had a +/- rating of +5 and 14 shots on net. Average ice time of 20.49. #Jokerit #KHL pic.twitter.com/f76syy676L
Thornton is going to have so many fun options on PP2Mikko Lehtonen slaps another goal on the powerplay for Jokerit this morning, infuriating a coach. He leads all defencemen and he's now tied for 10th in points in the KHL. pic.twitter.com/8yP5SpNkIF
— mostly want to die (@mostlyleafies) October 19, 2020
Lehtonen is going to give the Leafs a different look on the PP because of his shot. Both PP units should be fun to watch.Thornton is going to have so many fun options on PP2Mikko Lehtonen slaps another goal on the powerplay for Jokerit this morning, infuriating a coach. He leads all defencemen and he's now tied for 10th in points in the KHL. pic.twitter.com/8yP5SpNkIF
— mostly want to die (@mostlyleafies) October 19, 2020
Lehtonen is going to give the Leafs a different look on the PP because of his shot. Both PP units should be fun to watch.
The one thing that worries me is that a lot of his highlights, especially goals, seem to come from one-timers. And without any actual evidence to back this up I feel like that's one of the biggest things that's easier to pull off in Europe/KHL than it is to do in the NHL. So I'm not really sure I'd expect him to get double digit goals or anything here. Those laser passes still sound nice though.
#Leafs Mikko Lehtonen scores AGAIN in the KHL. He’s now up to 8 goals and 16 points in 14 games.
— Leafs Prospect Update (@Leafs_Watch) October 21, 2020
He finished today’s game with 2 SOG and 24:46 TOI#LeafsForeverpic.twitter.com/VtP9QZkmw4
I remember when Zaitsev was the considered the best defenceman not playing in north america, and a lot of similar specific superlatives were being heaped on. Maybe it'd be best to see if his game even translates to the NHL before laying it on too thick.
Also, everyone who has written in this thread has been extremely cautious and sort of gun shy by Zatisev, so I'm not sure what superlatives are being laid on thickly here.
Also, everyone who has written in this thread has been extremely cautious and sort of gun shy by Zatisev, so I'm not sure what superlatives are being laid on thickly here.
"I have a feeling this guy is going to be pushing top 4 by mid season."
"Thornton is going to have so many fun options on PP2"
"Lehtonen is going to give the Leafs a different look on the PP because of his shot."
"at least we're feeding pucks to someone like Lehtonen who can do something with his shot."
That's literally just in the last two pages.
Also, everyone who has written in this thread has been extremely cautious and sort of gun shy by Zatisev, so I'm not sure what superlatives are being laid on thickly here.
"I have a feeling this guy is going to be pushing top 4 by mid season."
"Thornton is going to have so many fun options on PP2"
"Lehtonen is going to give the Leafs a different look on the PP because of his shot."
"at least we're feeding pucks to someone like Lehtonen who can do something with his shot."
That's literally just in the last two pages.
Also, everyone who has written in this thread has been extremely cautious and sort of gun shy by Zatisev, so I'm not sure what superlatives are being laid on thickly here.
"I have a feeling this guy is going to be pushing top 4 by mid season."
"Thornton is going to have so many fun options on PP2"
"Lehtonen is going to give the Leafs a different look on the PP because of his shot."
"at least we're feeding pucks to someone like Lehtonen who can do something with his shot."
That's literally just in the last two pages.
^^
The offseason is the time for hope to spring eternal in fandom....
Also, everyone who has written in this thread has been extremely cautious and sort of gun shy by Zatisev, so I'm not sure what superlatives are being laid on thickly here.
"I have a feeling this guy is going to be pushing top 4 by mid season."
"Thornton is going to have so many fun options on PP2"
"Lehtonen is going to give the Leafs a different look on the PP because of his shot."
"at least we're feeding pucks to someone like Lehtonen who can do something with his shot."
That's literally just in the last two pages.
Who else on the Leafs defense, pray tell, has a positive power play record, aside from Rielly? A simple process of elimination, combined with fair chances to keeping the Russian free agent pipeline flowing makes this one of the easier reads of this lineup.
Hey, that's fine, but don't pretend like you aren't doing exactly what you claimed wasn't happening in your prior post.
I remember when Zaitsev was the considered the best defenceman not playing in north america, and a lot of similar specific superlatives were being heaped on. Maybe it'd be best to see if his game even translates to the NHL before laying it on too thick.
The real problem, and I don't want to beat a dead horse here, is that Z became a boat anchor @ 4.5m for 7yrs!
The real problem, and I don't want to beat a dead horse here, is that Z became a boat anchor @ 4.5m for 7yrs!
Even that, I think, is overstating things a bit. An ok defensive defenseman at 4.5 isn't a good use of money but as the Leafs showed it's something that can get moved at relatively low cost.
I think the Leafs moved on from him more because A) he wasn't Dubas' sort of player and B) their cap situation made it so they couldn't be as cavalier about small overpayments as other teams.
Really? I didn't think he brought commensurate value to his contract.
He put together a pretty good season on a dreadful team last year.
I have a hard time thinking Dubas' rationale for trading him would be "He's not my guy" which seems very arbitrary vs. he's not very good relative to his contract.
Was Z really thought of that way?
Apparently Lehtonen has layered on a few tweaks to his game. They look like Belfry suggestions to me, because guess who has access to the player dev app now?Interesting analysis of Mikko Lehtonen here from @scottcwheeler. A big time wild card on the Leafs defence this yearhttps://t.co/imTMcBGdD0
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) October 22, 2020
Was Z really thought of that way?
Yeah, he was getting his tires pumped pretty nicely at the time.
http://theleafsnation.com/2016/4/30/last-train-to-zaitsev
"Without a shred of exaggeration, Zaitsev is the best combination of talent and age of any defenceman the KHL"
"The eyes will tell you instantaneously that the youngster is an NHL-ready player. At 6?2 and a little under 200 pounds, he?s got a frame that can hold up to the rigors of the big leagues. He?s a crafty skater who has a small ice-capable first step, he can make outlet passes with ease, and has a howitzer from the point. "
Then they go into how impressive his offensive stats are, etc etc.
I don't see the issue of pumping the tires of a prospective player. I also don't see the issue being excited about that player. It's the potential that you're excited about. Much like a draft pick, yes this player is unknown, but no one is planning a parade route.
I don't see the issue of pumping the tires of a prospective player. I also don't see the issue being excited about that player. It's the potential that you're excited about. Much like a draft pick, yes this player is unknown, but no one is planning a parade route.
Speak for yourself. ;D
Apparently Lehtonen has layered on a few tweaks to his game. They look like Belfry suggestions to me, because guess who has access to the player dev app now?Interesting analysis of Mikko Lehtonen here from @scottcwheeler. A big time wild card on the Leafs defence this yearhttps://t.co/imTMcBGdD0
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) October 22, 2020
Four Jokerit representatives had tested positive for coronavirus. All other members of the team are now in quarantine, in accordance with local legislation: https://t.co/rHpQjbThOb pic.twitter.com/iCbjkxz4vB
— KHL (@khl_eng) October 23, 2020
NHL/AHL probably going to look like this on the regular next seasonTeam will resume play on Sunday in Cherepovets and on Tuesday in Sochi.
— Jokerit Helsinki (@Jokerit_EN) October 29, 2020
Total of 12 team members have tested positive for COVID-19. All except them are ready for the upcoming trip.#Jokerit #KHL pic.twitter.com/2svJv89Eoe
Another day of KHL games, another day with several teams carrying up to 10 “injured” players.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) November 1, 2020
Among today’s absentees: Mikko Lehtonen (TOR) and Eeli Tolvanen (NSH). https://t.co/7EFlTK1dVF
Watching Mikko Lehtonen skate the puck up ice is fun #Leafs pic.twitter.com/eeY1FkuoEe
— Nick Richard (@_NickRichard) November 10, 2020
Mikko Lehtonen has bounced back from his recent bout of COVID-19 ("it was not that good"), and he's zeroed in on battling for a spot with #Leafs for next season - "I’m in good shape and I trust myself, so I feel pretty confident:" https://t.co/kTS2t1dRkQ
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) November 18, 2020
#Jokerit and Mikko Lehtonen have mutually agreed to terminate the player’s contract. Next stop for him is Toronto.
— Jokerit Helsinki (@Jokerit_EN) November 20, 2020
Thank you Mikko and all the best in North America!#KHL pic.twitter.com/OgrrJVMuVV
And now, to answer my question of, why did Mikko do a press circuit with Toronto media in the random middle of November:Seems like the same route as Barabanov. Get over to Toronto and work with the Leafs to get ready for the season.#Jokerit and Mikko Lehtonen have mutually agreed to terminate the player’s contract. Next stop for him is Toronto.
— Jokerit Helsinki (@Jokerit_EN) November 20, 2020
Thank you Mikko and all the best in North America!#KHL pic.twitter.com/OgrrJVMuVV
This comes with Helsinki shutting down all events over 20 people because of COVID, which will prevent Jokerit from playing home games for the foreseeable future. https://t.co/rOU6l4j8JR
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 20, 2020
A little insight into the the timing:Makes sense. Might as well acclimatize here.This comes with Helsinki shutting down all events over 20 people because of COVID, which will prevent Jokerit from playing home games for the foreseeable future. https://t.co/rOU6l4j8JR
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 20, 2020