Maple Leafs sign KHL's top-scoring D-man Lehtonen to 1-year deal

The Toronto Maple Leafs have inked blue-liner Mikko Lehtonen to a one-year, entry-level contract, the club announced Monday.

Much like the Leafs' recent deal with former KHL forward Alexander Barabanov, Lehtonen's pact doesn't include any performance bonuses for next season, reports Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

Lehtonen led all KHL rearguards with 49 points in 60 games this season.

The 26-year-old represented Jokerit in the 2020 KHL All-Star Game and earned three straight Defenseman of the Month honors from November to January. He produced a goal and three assists in six playoff games before the league canceled its season in late March amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lehtonen has represented Finland multiple times on the international stage, helping his nation win gold at both the 2019 World Championship and the 2014 World Junior Championship.