Kari Lehtonen era comes to an end in Thrasherville
Tuesday night the Atlanta Thrashers shipped off Kari Lehtonen to the Dallas Stars in return for defenseman Ivan Vishnevskiy and a fourth round draft pick.
Kari Lehtonen, seen here in action last spring against the Caps, was the Thrashers second overall pick in 2002 (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)
With this deal, combined with the one that sent Ilya Kovalchuk to New Jersey last week, the Thrashers have dumped quite a bit of salary of late. Lehtonen is scheduled to be an RFA this summer and is currently making $3 million…Vishnevskiy will be an RFA in 2011 and is being paid just under $850,000 per season.
Vishnevskiy was the 27th overall draft pick in the 2006 draft and has played in a total of 5 NHL games…two this season. He has two assists in those games…both coming last season and both on the power play. In between periods of the Stars game in Chicago, Craig Ludwig…a former NHL defenseman for Montreal and Stars… said that the Thrashers are getting an offensive-minded blueliner but needs some work on his play in the defensive zone.
Lehtonen departs Thrasherville having just returned to the club from his conditioning stint with the Wolves and has yet to play in the NHL since last spring. He compiled a career record of 94-83-17 in 204 games played in Atlanta…196 were starts…with a 2.87 GAA, .912 SV% and 14 shutouts.
So…unless there is another trade planned to bring in a proven number one goalie…it looks as though Johan Hedberg and Ondrej Pavelec will be the ones between the pipes as the Thrashers look to make any playoff push this season. To that point, Chris Vivlamore tweeted that Don Waddell told him, “They have proved to be capable of carrying the load”.
Ivan Vishnevskiy was a first-round draft pick in 2006 and has played in 5 NHL games (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
With Kari’s departure, the Thrashers have parted ways with all of their top pick in their first five drafts.
Patrick Stefan, the top pick in 1999, is no longer playing hockey and is a player agent living in California.
Dany Healey, pick second overall in 2000, was traded away in 2005 to Ottawa and now plays in San Jose.
Ilya Kovalchuk, 2001’s overall number one, was dealt away last week to New Jersey.
Kari Lehtonen, second overall in 2002, as we have discussed is off to the Big D.
Braydon Coburn, the eighth overall draft pick in 2003, was shipped off to Philadelphia in 2006 in exchange for Alexei Zhitnik.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
171 comments Add your comment
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
8:40 am
The truth has finally come out, stendec is actually Waddell after hanging out with Levenson.
World Be Free
February 10th, 2010
8:42 am
I have said this before-go back and look at some of the players taken high in every draft and you will see busts. Whether the player was a reach, a bad fit for the team or a player that was not prepared to make a commitment, busts are going to happen when you are picking 18 year old kids.
How many teams are at fault for NOT picking Tyler Myers last season? Myers lasted until the 13th pick, a pick Buffalo traded up for. 18 months later, he’s close to being a breakout star. And the players taken ahead of Myers?
Heck, there were busts in the 70’s when the NHL drafted 20 year olds, before the WHA forced the league to lower the draft age to 18.
jimbo
February 10th, 2010
8:53 am
Brendan and others- how easy it is to bash a selection made many years ago once you have the benefit of hindsight. Cam Ward over Kari back then? Yeah right! Donnie Brilliance started with the right approach build from the goal out. Rhodes, Maracle, Dafoe, Lethtonen. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a feel for what it really takes to succeed. Not only outward flash but desire, heart, the willingness to sacrifice, etc. And, he had no contingency plan when all of his choices flopped. He’s got a management style that some would call “Random Access”. Deal with only those issues that come six inches from your nose. Until we get real professionalism and capability at the top, we are destined for mediocrity at best.
GaVaHokie
February 10th, 2010
9:04 am
WBF… I think Myers dropped because he was going through growth spurts and teams were worried about how that might effect a guy who was already huge… but yes, I think the Islanders and Blue Jackets may already regret not picking him.
Rawhide
February 10th, 2010
9:10 am
I don’t have a big problem with this deal. I hate the fact that it turns out we “wasted” a 2nd overall pick on a goalie that never really panned out, even though he has all the “potential” in the world.
But we’ve freed up a pant-load of cap space in which to go shopping before the trade dealine…I only hope D-Wad intends to use that to bring in players that can assist in a playoff push.
Plus, sometimes a team has to simply get off the merry-go-’round with a player like Kari. After a while it just gets frustrating knowing he cannot be counted on to be healthy enough to be there for you on a consistent basis.
Also…I like that Waddell is concentrating on bringing in defensive players. Maybe this is a Dudley effect?
As for Vish…he is a prospect. He can be afforded time to develop. With Kari, 7-1/2 years was enough. Given that the team is down to only 6 D-men, I’ll be interested to see if the Thrashers elect to keep Vish with the team as the 7th defender…or send him to Chicago and call up a blueliner there, maybe Kulda.
World Be Free
February 10th, 2010
9:11 am
GaVa-he sure did look like Ichabod Crane, didn’t he?
You just don’t know how some of these guys are going to pan out.
MASHAPlayer7
February 10th, 2010
9:14 am
Rawhide – Vish was sent to Chicago, per Vilamore’s tweet last night.
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
9:20 am
jimbo – Brendan didn’t want to draft Lehtonen way back when. So, its not hindsight on his part, it’s actually foresight.
Nikita (in PA)
February 10th, 2010
9:21 am
I’m tired of seeing people concentrate on the negative. Particularly Schultz, who is remarkably stubborn about negativity despite having the access to have a pretty accurate view.
Schroeder
February 10th, 2010
9:22 am
For all of you who thought that #32 would be in a Thrasher uniform this year,It was not going to happen!The reality is,over the years Kari has always come to camp overweight and unconditioned.Coaches and “mgt” finally said enough is enough.If MOOSE and Pavs had both had 4.5 ga and .800 save %,He may have been given a shot. I don’t blame them,I would not keep paying this guy millions to watch him get fatter and underachieve every year,his work ethic tells me that he is still so immature,I’m sure that his rehab regimin consisted of partyin w/ his dudes and drinking till all hours,sleeping till noon and then going to a skate around before having his 8th meal of the day before 6 hours of World Of Warcraft till his buds come back to start all over again.I hope he grows up in Dallas,and realizes that God gave him a gift and he is just pissin it away.A prospect and a pick for this punk? Dudley should go looking for wallets later today or I need to have him pick my lottery #’s.Say what you will but this is a steal!Do I think what we have will get us into the playoffs,nah! Would I love to have Halak,Absolutely!!!!!I hope Dudley has something in the works for a scoring forward(Poni?)and a goaltender(Halak or Price)Time will tell.
Russ
February 10th, 2010
9:23 am
moriler/Smoothie – I did preface my comments with the fact that Chicago will have to give up some decent players…but my point was that Chicago will review their roster and the ones they will let go are the ones they decide are most expendable based on salary (i.e. most overpaid or closest to being overpaid in their opinion). Mostly, I am just completely frustrated with this fanchise’s complete lack of progress in 10 years. You don’t see the Detroits and New Jerseys of the world looking forward to other teams’ salary dumps as their way to maintain their consistently excellent on-ice product. I know comparing Atlanta to these teams is not fair, but that is the point, for obvious reasons as a Thrasher fan I would like the team to be comparable to those types of organizations by now. Along those same lines, I am sick of seeing our first round picks contribute the the NHL club the year after they were drafted. Sure, it is exciting to see Bogosian and Kane contribute right away, but by now I would have hoped the teams’ draft position and depth would mean our first round picks would have no chance in hell of making the NHL roster for 2-3 years. Continuing with the theme of frustration, I don’t like the fact that the Thrashers have become such an unattractive destination for UFA’s that they have to pay a player that would be most teams 4th or 5th best d-man (Hainsey) $4.5 mil. just to meet the floor of the salary cap.
As I said with the Kovy trade, I am not disappointed with what the Thrashers got for Kari either. I am just disappointed that the situation has come to where most players want out of Atlanta first chance they get.
Sorry for the rant, I will go seek therapy now.
Stan Drulia
February 10th, 2010
9:24 am
I’m glad Lehtonen is gone. Always wanted him to be great but never thought he could actually do it. I have heard stories about his poor attitude and you can see that he isn’t in the best of shape for a millionaire athlete. I’m pretty sure that if someone was willing to pay me like $30,000 per game – I would be willing to hit the gym on a daily basis and at least LOOK like a professional.
And remember when he dyed his hair blue for the playoffs??!!!!?????
Rawhide
February 10th, 2010
9:35 am
Rawhide – Vish was sent to Chicago, per Vilamore’s tweet last night
MASHAPlayer7 – Thanks for the let-know…I missed that.
Badger Bob
February 10th, 2010
9:36 am
Poster ToxostomaRufum gave a good synopsis of Kari to the Dallas fans on their message boards last night:
http://fans.stars.nhl.com/sreply/483372/t/Kari-Lehtonen-to-Dallas.html
Not that any of us need a Kari recap, but one thing had me feeling deja vu – Kari’s partying problems. I recall Calgary sending away a party problem child in 1988, a kid with plenty of potential but a disasterous combination with Mike “Always Ready for a Good Binge” Vernon. They excised that potential tumor… named Brett Hull. Dallas may be just the fix for Kari.
And Sage, thank you for your invaluable insights that all the rest of us had missed. 1 playoff, zero wins – wow, I didn’t know that, you research hound!
Red Light
February 10th, 2010
9:39 am
Love a challenge and R Stroz’s comment about lottery pick retention enticed me to look it up. I broke down the draft into two phases: a) Picks 1-5 which are actually considered the “lottery” picks in the NHL and b) Picks 6-14, which are the slots for non-playoff teams as well. I think you’ll find the results very interesting. Note: Lupul is with the club that drafted him, but was dealt twice in the interim, so he doesn’t count.
Overall Picks 1-5
Currently retained by club that drafted the player
2005 Crosby, Ryan, Price
2004 Ovechkin, Malkin, Barker
2003 Fleury, E. Staal, Horton, Vanek
2002 Nash
2001 Spezza, Weiss
2000 DiPietro, Klesla
1999 H. Sedin, D. Sedin
Overall Picks 6-14
Currently retained by club that drafted the player
2005 Setoguchi, Bourdon, Kopitar, M. Staal
2004 Olesz, A. Picard, Valabik, Stafford
2003 Suter, A. Kostitsyn, Carter, D. Borwn, B.Seabrook
2002 PM Bouchard, Nystrom, Semin
2001 Koivu, Hamhuis, Hemsky
2000 None
1999 None
Enjoy!
Alan R.
February 10th, 2010
9:42 am
Some folks seem to have some crazy ideas, here.
First of all, our return is very good for what is considered a buyer’s market with goaltenders. We stole Dallas’ top D prospect and a 4th 2010 for a goalie with an injury rap sheet as long as he is wide. Citing the own-goal video, while depressingly amusing, one thing should be considered: Old news island. Young players make mistakes. Hopefully he got his “I wonder what it feels like to score against your own team?” feeling out of his system.
(Sorry… I had to go there!)
Second, no, there will not be another goalie coming back, nor should there be. They’ve said countless times that they can’t carry three goalies. The organization has basically sent the message of “In Pavs We Trust” to the young goalie. The team likes him. Management likes him. He’s gonna be rode til the wheels fall off. Unfortunately, those wheels can fall off at any time. But at least he hasn’t been … err… uhh.. erm … I’m not going to jinx it, but you all know what I’m thinking.
Third, expect more trades. It’s very likely this was just a salary dump. I can see Armstrong being moved. However, I can’t see Kubina being moved if the organization is serious about putting together a playoff run. Unless, of course, Kubina’s agent says no to any deal Waddell approaches him with during the Olympic break.
Just a few thoughts. Carry on with the bashing of our new D-man who remains unproven.
Hockey Biltong
February 10th, 2010
9:48 am
BTW.,Vish was the top defensive scorer for the Dallas farm team. Who are third in the standings, while the Chicago Wolves are fourth. Putting Vish with the Wolves is going to make everyone that much more competitive….. a good thing for our system, imho.
Hollywould
February 10th, 2010
9:50 am
Boy, am I a sucker. I have a Hossa jersey, 2 kovy’s, Vick, kerney, my kids have 2 letemin’s. yard Sale or should I just burn em?
Buzilla in CT
February 10th, 2010
9:53 am
These are dark days people. Dark days.
WTF is up with that trade? We are screwed. Prison screwed.
Rawhide
February 10th, 2010
9:54 am
Boy, am I a sucker. I have a Hossa jersey, 2 kovy’s, Vick, kerney, my kids have 2 letemin’s. yard Sale or should I just burn em?
Hollywould – Ummmm….You wouldn’t by chance happen to have a Todd White jersey, would you?
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
9:54 am
Thrasher fans have exchanged their blue flags for white flags.
Buzilla in CT
February 10th, 2010
9:54 am
Hollywould…I have a Holik, Hossa, and Kovy…all autographed. Touche!
Buzilla in CT
February 10th, 2010
9:55 am
When is brown paper bag night? I might fly down for that one
Hollywould
February 10th, 2010
10:00 am
Rawhide, that is one I had no intention of buying unless I drank twelve 8 dollar beers. nevermind, couldn’t afford it.
DWTOO
February 10th, 2010
10:00 am
Have a signed Stefan stick – never used.
Thrashers Yard Sale
February 10th, 2010
10:02 am
For Sale By Owner: Hockey Memorabilia
Seldom- or never-worn Thrashers game jerseys in impeccable condition. All top 50 picks in NHL draft. No reasonable offer refused. Contact Brendan for details.
Libor Usturnul
Luke Sellars
Ilya Nikulin
Grant Lewis
Chad Denny
Buzilla in CT
February 10th, 2010
10:04 am
So that is price tag for Kari huh? That has to be a confidence booster. A used bag of pucks and diaper filled with indian food.
what a steal for us!
drajax
February 10th, 2010
10:08 am
The team no longer needed Kari and it would have been a distraction for this weeks games which are too important…plus there’s nothing wrong with the team with one of the worst shots against statistics stock piling defensemen. I’ve noticed a trend arising about getting rid of Armstrong. I’d like to know why?
Paminski
February 10th, 2010
10:08 am
The Kari trade makes me nervous, mostly because depending on Pavs makes me nervous. Hedberg is dependable though not the best. Who’s next?
Hollywould
February 10th, 2010
10:08 am
Let’s have a giant yard sale/ we could probably make gas money.
Nikita (in PA)
February 10th, 2010
10:21 am
Heh. Let’s see. I don’t have any jerseys, but I do have Heatley and Holik bobbleheads and Kovy and Kari statue thingies, plus an Eric Perrin stick.
…but I also have signed Slater and Thorburn pucks.
Hollywould
February 10th, 2010
10:23 am
Nikita, trade all jerseys for Slater signed puck. Wait, did I just hear that Slater just got traded? Never Mind
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
10:23 am
The 21 players remaining in the Thrashers lockerroom have been given their vote of confidence. Pavs and Moose have been re-affirmed. Now it’s time for them to go out and make a statement tonite. Unfortunately, a lot of the teams they are battling for the # 8 seed won last night. They need to follow suit. And for the love of God, can Montreal please take a week off so everyone can catch up to their games played? Why do they have 3 or 4 games more than everyone else? BS.
Rawhide
February 10th, 2010
10:24 am
Rawhide, that is one I had no intention of buying unless I drank twelve 8 dollar beers. nevermind, couldn’t afford it.
Hollywould - Damn!
I’ve noticed a trend arising about getting rid of Armstrong. I’d like to know why?
drajax – Because of his pending UFA status this summer and that many think he’s too slow for Anderson’s system. I like the guy…think he brings a lot of effort and grit to the team. But his days may be numbered here.
World Be Free
February 10th, 2010
10:28 am
Nice breakdown Red Light. FYI-I generally do not buy jerseys with a current player’s name on the back, for fear of jinxing the player and my investment. I do have a Mickey Mantle #7 Yankees jersey, becuase the Mick is the Mick.
Hey Biltong-how much for the red Kovy jersey?
DWTOO
February 10th, 2010
10:37 am
Amazing how many players selected early are no longer with their original clubs for the period 2000 – 2004. Not that this validates our esteemed GM, but, it does show that our favorite columnist, Mr. Schultz, should do a little research.
Red Light – if you haven’t posted this on his blog please do. I quit reading it since nothing worthwhile is ever posted there. Almost like his columns (except for the interview with Gary B.).
DWTOO
February 10th, 2010
10:39 am
Oh and somewhere I have a jersey signed by both Petr Buzek and Patrick Stefan. Will trade for prospects and draft picks.
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
10:42 am
Rumors are surfacing that Mad Max wants out.
http://twitter.com/Falconer18
drajax
February 10th, 2010
10:42 am
Rawhide: I agree with you regarding Armstrong. I think the team needs several more players with his attitude and determination. He appears ready to play everyday and will stick up for his teamates. He should be signed, as should Slater.
Tim
February 10th, 2010
10:46 am
The inmates are running the asylum! The players don’t have confidence in Kari… so what. Goalie confidence ebbs and flows inside of one game as the goalie shows what he’s got that night.
Kari is on a completely different level talent-wise from either of our current options. If, as has been reported, they have found and repaired what is likely the long-time source for Kari’s physical issues… it could literally explain EVERY SINGLE INJURY HE’S EVER HAD. I know it sounds like a stretch. However, it is simple to logically explain the anatomical, physiological and psychological chain of events that can lead from pain and dysfunction in the mid/upper back to groin pulls etc.
I’ve been a Licensed Massage Therapist for 12 years and an elite competitive athlete most of my life. I’ve actually had a conversation with a client who is an orthopedist and a Thrasher fan… he agrees with my logic.If I can explain this with those minimal credentials, why has the medical/training staff with the Thrashers not been able to convince the coaching staff that he might be worth a look?
I’l tell you why… DW told the whole world that the players have no confidence in him. Wow! I bet you Kari starting begging for a trade after that.
PS. Stendec – I’m sorry Kari stole your puppy and ran over your lollipop.
Russian
February 10th, 2010
10:49 am
**to R.Stroz**
Not Good News.
I really hope that max will get contract with Atlanta for 2-3 years. But if he wants out, let him go and bring someone from Chickago.
Bob
February 10th, 2010
10:49 am
“With Kari’s departure, the Thrashers have parted ways with all of their top pick in their first five drafts.”
But, but, but in the early years when Brendan and I and others were telling everyone that Waddell was incompetent and didn’t know what he was doing, there were all these fans that told us that no, Waddell building the club the right way, through the draft!!! You mean they were wrong? lol. I hold those fans accountable for enabling ownership to keep Waddell in place for all these years, which has led us to the sad state of affairs we sit in.
All, you need to step back and see the forest, the trees are getting in your way: There are some things here you need to figure out. First, forget about taking Sharp or anyone away from Chicago. Chicago is definitely one of the top 4 clubs in the NHL this year and they have a legitimate chance at the Cup. There is NO WAY they are trading anyone off of their club, if anything, they may make a move to bring someone in to bolster their lineup.
Second, Waddell and ownership are in full salary dump mode. The reason they moved Kari so quickly was simple. They didn’t want to continue having to pay him during the Olympic break. And that’s idiotic. The guy was a #2 overall, the only high pick you had left after Kovy left, and you don’t keep him and try to see if he can finally stay healthy after the back was supposedly fixed? This was a pure salary dump, don’t sugar coat it, it is what it is. lol
There are one of two things going on. Either the owners are clearing the roster of high priced contracts in order to facilitate an impending sale of the team (please Lord, please let that be true! and don’t worry, they’re not going anywhere, they’d stay in Phillips) or they are losing so much money they are just dumping salary. And this may be what it is. Notice Waddell’s comments last week “Dudley thinks the lineup as it is can make the playoffs”. Also, “Pavs and Moose are getting the job done” (uh, no they’re not).
Badger Bob
February 10th, 2010
10:49 am
Alan R – yes, the own-goal hype has been way over-hyped. How about the fact that he was even on the ice for Dallas in the last minute down by one goal? Seems like Dallas thought he has some potential. Some have compared it to Steve Smith’s own-goal. Though Smith’s was 1,000 times more devastating, he went on to play 747 more NHL games (351 points, +106).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DbP7wqCwq8
Bob
February 10th, 2010
10:51 am
Oh, by the way. I’m sure Armstrong is gone next, but they’ll keep Afinogenov as they’re only paying him $800k. Kubina will probably be moved as well (that’s why Oduya was brought in).
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
10:55 am
The Thrasher have PPDS, premature payroll dump syndrome.
Tim
February 10th, 2010
10:58 am
I was glad to see Sir-Drifts-Alot get traded. He was not worth anything close to the $ he turned down… and he didn’t have enough heart to be captain.
This trade makes me angry!
If indeed, as has been suggested, this is just a salary-dump move… I am now very concerned for the future of this franchise.
Mike
February 10th, 2010
11:01 am
Bob…the reason Chicago may trade a player is due to cap reasons. They want to bring on some veterans for the playoff run, but doing so may be difficult with their cap situation. Plus, getting rid of some salary now gives them the rooom to sign some of their UFAs/RFAs before the season ends.
I would hate to see Colby go as we are thin on wingers, now and in our system. We have good depth at D so I can see Kubina leaving as his trade value may be pretty high.
I am looking forward to watching the game tonight. Hoping to see the same effort as the last two games. If so, we may actually be able to sneak some points out of Colorado.
Smoothie
February 10th, 2010
11:05 am
If Finny wants out, then fine. Flip him to somebody for a 2nd round pick. I’m tired of his silly cross-ice passes and drop passes at the blueline when he’d be better off using his speed to drive to the outside. He’s taking minutes away from Kane on the Top 6 and regardless of what happens on the ice, it is more important for Kane to get the experience now. Do not trade Kubina unless he wants out. That remains to be seen. Last time I checked, he’s still playing hard and giving up the body when his goalie is in trouble. Whether the ASG is dumping salary remains to be seen. If Kubina is dealt before the Olympic break, then sound the alarm.
R. Stroz
February 10th, 2010
11:06 am
Ok, lets test everyone’s GM acumen.
Which player gets dealt next, when, and why?
My money is on Armstrong, as a payroll dump before the Olympics.
Kubina will follow as a payroll dump as well.
And before the official trade deadline in March, Afinogenov gets moved.
J.B.
February 10th, 2010
11:16 am
I hope for his sake, Afinogenov has done enough this year to get a contract somewhere else. In my opinion, he should be damned grateful we gave him a tryout and then signed him during camp last year. Not very professional to publicly ‘want out’ already, which I think means he’s bitching and moaning because his buddy ilya got traded. He should at least have the decency to act like a team player until his contract us up at the end of the season. I’m a big fan of the russian players, but these guys are really starting to pizz me off…