November 5
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Kari Lehtonen underwent another back surgery on Friday. The procedure was to remove edges of bone that were applying pressure to nerve roots in his back at two locations. The surgery was performed by Dr. Paul Maurer at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y. The locations on the back were different than the location of the surgery he had on July 20. The team says he will be sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks. Thrashers had a late optional skate on Wednesday. They start at 1 p.m. We'll need to check the status of Ron Hainsey, who missed both games in Canada. He left last Friday's practice with an undisclosed injury that coach John Anderson said was "day-to-day." I will let you know if I find ..."
October 24
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Goaltender Kari Lehtonen is no closer to returning to the Thrashers than he was soon after offseason back surgery. According to Thrashers general manager Don Waddell, Lehtonen again experienced pain in his legs while rehabbing from July surgery to repair a herniated disc. He recently received another epidural injection to reduce inflammation, and he has stopped skating. Waddell said Friday that Lehtonen is scheduled for another examination by doctors to determine the next course of action. Waddell said he would not label the current situation a setback. "When you are dealing with the back, everyone heals at a different rate," Waddell said. "He is progressing very slowly." Lehtonen signed a ..."
July 25
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Thrashers goalie Kari Lehtonen had surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back earlier this week. He is not expected to miss a significant amount of time when the Thrashers report for training camp in September. The Thrashers and Lehtonen's agent, Larry Kelly, confirmed the surgery to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Friday. According to the Thrashers, Lehtonen underwent the procedure at St. Joseph's Hospital on Monday. The surgery was performed by Dr. Plas James and took approximately 25 minutes. "We expect him back on the ice by the start of training camp or shortly after," Thrashers spokesman Rob Koch said."
July 16
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Thrashers re-signed goaltender Kari Lehtonen on Wednesday when he accepted his one-year qualifying offer as a restricted free agent. Wednesday was the deadline for him to accept the offer. Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but Lehtonen earned $3 million last season. Lehtonen had a 19-22-3 record with three shutouts, a 3.06 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage in 46 games last season. He missed time with injuries to his back and head. Lehtonen, 25, is the franchise's all-time leader in games played, wins, shutouts and save percentage."