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Washington Capitals: Kari Lehtonen worth a look

By Ron Juckett

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: Kari Lehtonen #32 of the Dallas Stars looks on after a goal by Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings during the second period of a game at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: Kari Lehtonen #32 of the Dallas Stars looks on after a goal by Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings during the second period of a game at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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In search of a backup goalie, the Washington Capitals could score Kari Lehtonen off the free agent market. A good insurance policy, but is he the best option?

If the Washington Capitals are looking for an insurance policy for Braden Holtby, is free-agent netminder Kari Lehtonen the answer? The website Pro Hockey Rumors speculates on where the veteran might land and thinks the Caps are a good fit.

As you know, the Caps have Pheonix Copley penciled in for Holtby’s backup. Although Copley has done well in the AHL both at Hershey and Chicago, he has a whopping two games under his belt in the NHL. Yes, he will earn a long look this September, but trusting your championship hopes on him is a tough swallow.

Ilya Samsonov, the hot prospect for the future, will play in Hershey this season, but is a year away at least in grabbing a role for the NHL Caps.

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Lehtonen lost his starting job in Dallas and the Stars are not keen bringing him back. If the Caps want to take a flier here, Pro Hockey Rumors figures a one-year deal should cost a million. Washington can make a deal that size work. Copley costs $650,000 no matter where he plays.

Although Washington would rather have Copley, Lehtonen is worth a closer look.

With a lighter load as Ben Bishop’s understudy, Lehtonen’s raw numbers improved last season. His save percentage jumped to .912 from .902 the year before, his best in four seasons. The GAA dropped from 2.85 to 2.56. Again, a four-year low. His .633 quality start percentage is a career-high.

Lehtonen may not be the goalie Dallas signed to a long-term extension years ago, but he is average. With Holtby on his game, you take an average backup and run.

If you are wondering about Lehtonen’s playoff experience, the primary reason you would take him as insurance, it is limited. Two years ago with the Stars he went 6-3, but his .899 save percentage and 2.81 GAA are not great numbers.

Dallas lost in the Western Conference semi’s in seven to the St. Louis Blues with Lehtonen allowing three in the first period of Game 7. They yanked him.

Unless Samsonov stands on his head during Training Camp, Copley’s the goalie behind Holtby. Now, the Caps must weigh the pros and cons of an unproven backup.

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If the Washington Capitals decide Copley is too green, then Kari Lehtonen provides experience on a budget. But, he turns 35 in November and is the same short-term band-aid Copley is until Samsonov is ready. Lehtonen is an intriguing option, but does not scream sign me.

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