Exelby returns to Atlanta as Maple Leaf

By Chris Vivlamore

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Garnet Exelby was back in Atlanta Tuesday, if only for the day.

The former Thrashers defenseman made his first appearance at Philips Arena as an opposing player after being traded to Toronto in the offseason. He was part of the deal that brought Pavel Kubina to Atlanta.

“It’s great to be back,” Exelby said before Tuesday’s game. “It’s a little strange seeing the arena and the rink from a different side. I had no idea how to get in the building as a visitor. I came in [several hours early] one of the ways I knew from when I was a player here. I’ve never been in this dressing room before. Hopefully, I won’t [line] change on the wrong bench.”

Lehtonen getting closer

Thrashers coach John Anderson said that goaltender Kari Lehtonen, on injured reserve, will likely make a conditioning assignment soon.

“We are getting to a point now where he is hitting a bit of a wall with practice," Anderson said. "What I mean by that is we have three goalies out there. ... At some point in the very near future we are going to have to decide if we send him on a conditioning stint, maybe to [AHL] Chicago, to get some games in. We want to make sure he’s ready to succeed in the National Hockey League and not throw him to the wolves right away.”

Lehtonen is recovering from two offseason back surgeries, the last one performed in October.

Schubert out again

Christoph Schubert missed his second straight game Tuesday with a lower-body injury. The defenseman was hurt during Saturday's game against Carolina.

Center Todd White missed his fourth straight game. White declined to get specific for why he has been scratched but said he is hoping to return to the lineup soon. Anderson has previously said that White is healthy, but he is choosing to play the current line combinations. Mark Popovic (foot) missed his 22nd straight game.