Height: 6-0
Weight: 192 lbs.
Born: June 24, 1973 in Espoo, Finland
Drafted: Selected by the Dallas Stars in the fourth round (88th pick overall) of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft.
Won 1998 Selke Trophy. Tied for third on team in goals. Second on team in shorthanded goals, plus-minus and shots. Missed 10 games with separated shoulder.
Lehtinen is the smartest positional player on the Stars; his Selke win was well deserved. He is remarkably hockey astute. If any line was in trouble, the Stars put Lehtinen on the unit for a couple of games to straighten them out. He is so honest and so reliable that the other players, almost through osmosis, have to come on board. As much as Mike Modano did in the past two seasons, much of his progress can be traced to his teaming with Lehtinen. Modano returned the favour, because he is enhancing the latent offensive ability of Lehtinen, who was never noted for his scoring before. Both players have become more complete because of the other, and some of their best games have come as linemates. It will be a natural move to keep Lehtinen on the line with Modano and Brett Hull to provide a defensive safeguard. Lehtinen's skating is well above adequate. He's not really top flight, but he has enough quickness and balance to play with highly skilled people. He controls the puck well and is an unselfish playmaker. Lehtinen struggles only in his finishing. He appears to have a good shot with a quick release but at times is reluctant to shoot. He is gaining more confidence, thanks to Modano.
Lehtinen is very strong on the puck: he protects it and won't be intimidated, and he competes along the boards. He completes his checks and never stops trying. He is very durable.
Lehtinen never asks anything of the club, never complains, just asks what he can do to become better. He's a coach's dream.
In last year's [HSR], we said, "If he continues to play with Modano, Lehtinen will develop into a 25-goal scorer and a perennial Selke candidate." Lehtinen missed by two goals but captured the trophy. Because he may be asked to play a more offensive role this season, the Selke could be put on the back burner.
