Kari Lehtonen is a former Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was drafted second overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut in 2003.
Lehtonen spent the majority of his career with the Thrashers, where he established himself as a reliable starting goaltender. He played for the Thrashers from 2003 to 2010, during which he set several franchise records, including most wins and most shutouts.
In 2010, Lehtonen was traded to the Dallas Stars, where he continued to excel as a starting goaltender. He played for the Stars from 2010 to 2018, during which he set several franchise records, including most wins and most shutouts.
Throughout his career, Lehtonen was known for his athleticism and quick reflexes, as well as his ability to make acrobatic saves. He was also known for his calm demeanor and ability to stay focused under pressure.
Lehtonen represented Finland in international competition, including the 2006 Winter Olympics, where he helped lead Finland to a silver medal. He also played in several World Championships and World Junior Championships, where he was named the tournament's best goaltender in 2002.
In 2018, Lehtonen announced his retirement from professional hockey. He finished his career with a record of 310 wins, 233 losses, and 69 ties, with a goals against average of 2.76 and a save percentage of .912. He also recorded 37 shutouts throughout his career.
Lehtonen's career was marked by his consistency and reliability as a starting goaltender, as well as his ability to make spectacular saves when needed. He was a key player for both the Thrashers and the Stars, and his contributions to the game of hockey will not be forgotten.
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