Maple Leafs Sign Mikko Lehtonen

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the hockey club has signed defenceman Mikko Lehtonen to a one-year entry level contract for the 2020-21 season.

Lehtonen, 26, appeared in 60 games with Jokerit (KHL) during the 2019-20 season and registered 49 points (17 goals, 32 assists), which led all KHL defencemen. He represented Jokerit at the 2020 KHL All-Star Game and was named KHL Defenceman of the Month in three consecutive months from November to January. He had a goal and three assists in six KHL playoff games prior to the cancellation of the season. Before joining Jokerit, Lehtonen won an SHL title in 2016-17 as a member of HV71 and captured a Liiga bronze medal in 2017-18 with Tappara.

Internationally, Lehtonen has represented Finland at multiple events, include the World Championships in 2017 and 2019, winning gold at the 2019 tournament and earning recognition on the World Championship All-Star Team. He also skated for Finland at the Olympic Games in 2018 and the 2014 World Junior Championships, where he captured gold.