Mikko Lehtonen had been placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract when he failed to report to the Cleveland Monsters, the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
According to Iltalehti, Jokerit Helsinki owns the KHL rights of Lehtonen for this and next season. The defenseman would thus not be able to play for another KHL team unless Jokerit gives its blessing. They are, however, also interested in the defender. As for outside of the KHL, teams from Sweden and Switzerland are also interested in acquiring him.
Lehtonen has appeared in 17 games (eight goals, nine assists) for Jokerit, nine games (three assists) for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and 17 games (three assists) for the Columbus Blue Jackets last season.
