The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded defenseman Mikko Lehtonen to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Veini Vehvilainen.
The 27-year old Lehtonen signed a free agent with the Maple Leafs. He carries a $925,000 salary cap hit.
The 24-year old Vehvilainen was drafted 173rd overall in the sixth round of the 2018 draft by the Blue Jackets. He carries a $925,000 cap hit.
Aaron Portzline: After Lehtonen gets work visa and clears COVID protocol, he’ll join the Blue Jackets taxi squad.
Thoughts from the media
Mark Masters: Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe yesterday on Lehtonen: “For the last little while we just haven’t seen a reason to make a change on defence … We’ve reached a different phase of the season here”
Chris Johnston: “Columbus was among the NHL teams that pursued Mikko Lehtonen when he was a free agent last year.