The final chapter in Lehtinen's career may have been written last season, as injuries have finally started to erode his skill and puck pursuit game. If he returns for another season, it'll be in Dallas and he'll skate in a checking role on the third or fourth line and nothing else. He's still a reliable penalty killer, but his days of netting even more than a handful of goals have passed him by.
Injuries are finally starting to check up with the underrated Lehtinen. He still remains a Selke-worthy defensive player, but he's sliding down the Dallas scoring lines as age and injuries mount. His days of 25+ goals (and 10 PPG) are gone.
Lehtinen was limited to just 48 games due to a sports hernia, but was excellent when healthy (15 G, 22 A, 9 PPG). He's an excellent player with the man advantage, and should be a nice depth scoring option if he can stay healthy.
Mr. Reliable for Dallas, Lehtinen does everything well. He's scored at least 25 goals in four of the past five seasons, though his lack of assists hurt his value a bit. He disappears in the playoffs, but that's not a concern during the regular season. Expect another 25-goal, 20-assist season.
Mr. Everything for Dallas, Lehtinen notched a career high 33 goals in 2005-06. Given his spotty health record it's unwise to think he'll be that productive again, but he contributes more than just goals for Dallas. Contract expires following the season, and getting Lehtinen and Brenden Morrow signed to contract extensions will be a focus early in the season.
Mike Modano's struggles carried over to Lehtinen as well. Injuries always seem to crop up, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better all around hockey player than Lehtinen. An annual Selke candidate with 30-goal potential.
