Thrashers' Lehtonen has back surgery

By CHRIS VIVLAMORE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thrashers goalie Kari Lehtonen had surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back earlier this week. He is not expected to miss a significant amount of time when the Thrashers report for training camp in September.

Enlarge photo

Bill Wippert, NHLI via Getty Images Goalie Kari Lehtonen accepted his one-year qualifying offer as a Thrashers restricted free agent last week.

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The Thrashers and Lehtonen's agent, Larry Kelly, confirmed the surgery to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Friday.

According to the Thrashers, Lehtonen underwent the procedure at St. Joseph's Hospital on Monday. The surgery was performed by Dr. Plas James and took approximately 25 minutes.

"We expect him back on the ice by the start of training camp or shortly after," Thrashers spokesman Rob Koch said.

Lehtonen, who signed a one-year qualifying contract offer last week, missed time last season with injuries to his back and head.

Lehtonen, 25, is the franchise's all-time leader in games played, wins, shutouts and save percentage. The first-round pick in 2002 went 19-22-3 with three shutouts, a 3.06 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage in 46 games last season.