Lehtonen Recognized as the No. 1 AHL Prospect
Published on December 28, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Chicago Wolves News Release
Chicago Wolves goaltender Kari Lehtonen has been named the No. 1 American Hockey League prospect by The Hockey News.
The Atlanta Thrashers' first pick  and second overall  in the 2002 National Hockey League Entry Draft shares first in the league with 16 wins and four shutouts in his first 25 starts of the season. Lehtonen, who is currently on a six-game winning streak, has registered a league-most 766 saves, a 2.09 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage this season.
"Kari is a a world-class player on the ice and quality person off the ice," said Wolves General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. "He is a tremendous team player and takes it upon himself to ensure the team has a chance to win every game."
Last year, the 21-year-old netminder accrued a 20-14-2 record, a 2.41 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage in 39 games with the Wolves during his rookie season. He also recorded a perfect 4-0-0 mark in as many games with Atlanta last season, including his first NHL shutout on March 27 against the Florida Panthers.
Lehtonen was named the top NHL prospect in the world by The Hockey News in 2003 and 2004 and was also honored by the publication as the 2004 minor pro prospect of the year. The Helsinki, Finland, native served as the backup goaltender for runner-up Finland in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and was named the starting netminder for PlanetUSA in the 2003-04 AHL All-Star Game.
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