The St. Louis Blues got some bad news today concerning an injury to forward Jori Lehtera, and his prognosis going forward. He could be out for up to 6-8 weeks, meaning that he could miss the start of the NHL regular season, depending on his recovery. Lehtera was an important part of the Blues success last year, often playing centre between Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwarz on one of the NHL’s best lines.
The following press release comes from the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League.
Jori Lehtera Has Successful Ankle Surgery
Lehtera sustained the injury at the end of the season and had surgery on Aug. 4
ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today that forward Jori Lehtera had successful surgery on his right ankle on Aug. 4.
He suffered the injury at the end of last season and is expected to be available to skate in six to eight weeks.
“We were hopeful with time the ankle would settle down and be ready,” general manager Doug Armstrong said. “He was still sore, and we opted for surgery now so he would be available to us for the regular season.”
Lehtera, 27, appeared in 75 regular season games with the Blues during his first National Hockey League (NHL) season in 2014-15, posting 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) while ranking second on the club with a +21 rating.
He also added two assists in five postseason outings.
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Main Photo Caption:
DENVER, CO. December 13: Jori Lehtera #12 of the St. Louis Blues skates against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center on December 13, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. The Blues defeated the Avalanche 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Doug Pensinger / Getty Images)
