Report: Blues Prospect Lehtera Signs with KHL club Sibir
Per a tweet by Russian Hockey blogger Alex Seren Rosso, St. Louis Blues prospect Jori Lehtera has agreed to a deal with Sibir Novosibirsk of the KHL
BNZ’s POV
Does this mean that Lehtera’s 7 game stint late in the Peoria Rivermen’s 2008-09 campaign might be the only time he plays in the Blues organization? Looking like a strong possibility, but not a foregone conclusion yet.
The Finnish centerman was selected 65th overall (3rd Round) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Certainly not ready at the time to cross the Atlantic and start his North American career, the Blues were willing to let him develop in the SM-liiga. In which he performed well statistically by European standards. Posting 41 goals and 158 points in 169 games spread over three seasons with Tappara Tampere.
At the conclusion of his impressive 2009-10 campaign, 19 goals and 67 points in 57 games to lead the Finnish league in scoring, there was an opportunity to get the skilled playmaker under contract and in St. Louis (or at least Peoria). However, the Blues were unable to do so before KHL side Yaroslavl Lokomotiv signed him to a two year deal. Plan B kicked in for the Note as they inked him to a two year ELC worth an average of $875,000 in the NHL ($65,000 AHL salary). Primarily a move to retain his NHL rights.
At this time it’s not clear if Sibir has “taken” the second year of his contract from Lokomotiv or if there is a completely new deal. The clarification of contract term is important because his ELC from the Blues expires at the end of the 2011-12 season. Should his KHL contract fulfill at the same time, he would be free to come to St. Louis, but require a new NHL deal.
Time will only tell if Lehtera’s path follows that of another Finnish scoring champion. Ville Leino delayed his transition to the NHL and it paid off in the end as he is one of the most sought after free agents this summer. Lehtera may not have the same skating ability as Leino, but the hands and understanding of the game are there to be a successful “top 9′ forward in the NHL.
The determining factor will likely be if the Blues “have room” for Lehtera. There is little indication to date that he will make the move if he is destined for the AHL. This is where he differs from Leino who spent 57 games with the Grand Rapids Griffens in 2008-09 before worming his way in to the Detroit Red Wings lineup. Lehtera had the chance to do the same with the Rivermen for the 10-11 season and chose the KHL. If he had a chance to opt out of his final year and jump ship this off season and again chose the KHL, little suggests his perspective will be different when assessing his 2012-13 options.
Keep an eye on Lehtera’s numbers this season. He had a respectable 16 goals, 37 points in 53 games for Lokomotiv, but did not do well in the playoffs. If a strong performance comes with the change of scenery, a move may end be in order.
