Mikko Lehtonen’s departure for Toronto from his KHL team Thursday wasn’t surprising, but it might be a sign of hope that the NHL will open its 2020-21 season on time. Lehtonen’s KHL team, Jokerit, announced Friday that the two sides had mutually agreed to terminate his contract for the purpose of his move to Toronto. The 26-year-old defenceman, who signed a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs in May, had been on loan to Jokerit with the NHL season was on hold. The others are Swiss forward Denis Malgin (Lausanne), Russian forward Egor Korshkov (Yaroslavl) and Swedish forward Filip Hallander (Lulea). Lehtonen was named KHL defenceman of the year last season, and will certainly challenge for a spot among the Leafs’ top six blueliners.

Source: thestar November 20, 2020 21:56 UTC