Stars GM debunks Lehtonen buyout talk: 'I see him as part of the solution'

Jim Nill is prepared to move forward with Kari Lehtonen.

The 31-year-old goalie won 34 games for the Dallas Stars in 2014-15, but posted the worst save percentage of his career (.903). While goaltending was a major factor in terms of the team failing to return to the playoffs, general manager Nill has no plans to buy out Lehtonen's contract.

"You can say he’s part of the problem, but I also see him as part of the solution," Nill told Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Drafted second overall in 2002 by the then Atlanta Thrashers, Lehtonen had posted above average save percentages in recent seasons, with 33 wins and a mark of .919 as recently as last season.

Nill added he'll be on the lookout for a steady, stay-at-home defenseman during the offseason, a presence that he hopes will stabilize Lehtonen's numbers and improve the club as a whole.