Kari Lehtonen
Image via NHL.com
Stats updated:
Kari Lehtonen was selected second overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, making him the highest-drafted European goaltender in NHL history — a distinction he shares with no one. He is also tied for the highest-drafted Finnish player in NHL history, alongside Patrik Laine, Alexander Barkov, and Kaapo Kakko.
Born in Helsinki, Finland on November 16, 1983, Lehtonen stands 6'4" and catches left. He went on to play 14 seasons in the NHL, spending time with both the Atlanta Thrashers and the Dallas Stars across a career that spanned 649 games. He finished with 310 wins, 233 losses, and 67 overtime losses, along with a career goals-against average of 2.71, a save percentage of .912, and 38 shutouts.
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | GP | W | L | OT | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | Stars | 37 | 15 | 14 | 3 | 2.56 | .912 | 1 |
| 2016-17 | Stars | 59 | 22 | 25 | 7 | 2.85 | .902 | 3 |
| 2015-16 | Stars | 43 | 25 | 10 | 2 | 2.76 | .906 | 2 |
| 2014-15 | Stars | 65 | 34 | 17 | 10 | 2.94 | .903 | 5 |
| 2013-14 | Stars | 65 | 33 | 20 | 10 | 2.41 | .919 | 5 |
| 2012-13 | Stars | 36 | 15 | 14 | 3 | 2.66 | .916 | 1 |
| 2011-12 | Stars | 59 | 32 | 22 | 4 | 2.33 | .922 | 4 |
| 2010-11 | Stars | 69 | 34 | 24 | 11 | 2.55 | .914 | 3 |
| 2009-10 | Stars | 12 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2.81 | .911 | 0 |
| 2008-09 | Thrashers | 46 | 19 | 22 | 3 | 3.06 | .911 | 3 |
| 2007-08 | Thrashers | 48 | 17 | 22 | 5 | 2.90 | .916 | 4 |
| 2006-07 | Thrashers | 68 | 34 | 24 | 9 | 2.79 | .912 | 4 |
| 2005-06 | Thrashers | 38 | 20 | 15 | 0 | 2.94 | .906 | 2 |
| 2003-04 | Thrashers | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1.25 | .953 | 1 |
| Career | 649 | 310 | 233 | 67 | 2.71 | .912 | 38 |