Stars Acquire Goaltender Lehtonen from Thrashers

The Dallas Stars announced tonight that they have acquired goaltender Kari Lehtonen from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for prospect defenseman Ivan Vishnevskiy and Dallas' fourth round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. Lehtonen was recently recalled from the Thrashers' AHL affiliate in Chicago after completing a conditioning stint. He has not played in any games this season after undergoing back surgery this past September. He will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season. In 46 games last season with the Thrashers, Lehtonen posted a 19-22-3 record, three shutouts, a 3.06 GAA, and a .911 save percentage. In 204 career NHL games over five seasons, all with the Thrashers, he has a 94-83-17 record, 14 shutouts, a 2.87 GAA, and a .912 save percentage. Vishnevskiy has appeared in only two games this season with the Stars, scoring no points. The Thrashers are expected to assign him to Chicago of the AHL. This trade really comes as no surprise since rumors had begun to swirl recently that the Stars were interested in Lehtonen. This could be a bit of a risky trade for the Stars, as Lehtonen has a history of missing extended periods of time due to injury. However, if he can stay healthy, he brings the Stars a talented starting goaltender who's best years are still ahead of him. Also, by acquiring the Finnish netminder, this is a strong indication the Stars will likely trade starting goaltender Marty Turco by the March 3 trade deadline. In Vishnevskiy, the Thrashers get another talented defenseman to build around. He has great offensive skill and could develop into a top defenseman for the Thrashers. The Thrashers appear to be in selling mode now after trading superstar Ilya Kovalchuk to the Devils last week and now Lehtonen to the Stars. It wouldn't surprise me if the Thrashers unload a few more players prior to the trade deadline.