"Just talked to Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk to get an update on goalie Kari Lehtonen, who has been out since Nov. 26 when he strained a groin against Phoenix.

Nieuwendyk said Lehtonen has been taking shots in practice with goalie coach Mike Valley and that he may return to Stars practice within a week.

``It's very positive right now,'' Nieuwendyk said. ``We're not going to rush him, and we're taking every precaution, but there is a chance that he's a practice player within a week, so that's great news.''"