Report: Lehtera to skip court date in Finnish drug-ring case

Philadelphia Flyers forward Jori Lehtera will skip his scheduled court appearance in Finland on Tuesday, according to Tricia L. Nadolny of The Philadelphia Inquirer, citing a report from Finnish newspaper Aamulehti.

Legally, Lehtera isn't required to attend the hearing because Finnish authorities haven't been able to subpoena him, according to Aamulehti.

The 31-year-old was charged with buying eight grams of cocaine from a distribution ring in his native Finland over the summer. Prosecutors are seeking a five-month suspended sentence.

Lehtera has stated he's innocent. He's one of 22 people charged in the case.

Lehtera's recorded one goal and two assists in 24 games this season and hasn't suited up since Dec. 15.