Mikko Lehtonen and Jokerit enter quarantine after potential exposure to COVID-19

After an impressive start to the 2020-21 season, Mikko Lehtonen’s campaign is going to be on pause due to a potential outbreak of COVID-19 from an opponent.

On Friday, the KHL announced that a game between Jokerit and Ak Bars was postponed to a later date. This was due to four positive cases from Neftekhimik, whom Jokerit defeated 6-0 on Wednesday. Because there was a possible exposure to the virus, Lehtonen and the rest of his team will begin a 14-day quarantine and undergo further testing before returning to the ice.

Jokerit also announced that their next four games beyond their match against Ak Bars will also be postponed.

This is a huge setback for Lehtonen who was off to an impressive start and was showing indications of being more than ready to jump into the NHL. Prior to the pause, he had recorded three goals, one assist, and four points in only two games.

Lehtonen is now the second Leafs player to have his season put on hold because of a potential exposure to COVID-19. Mikko Kokkonen, Toronto’s third-round pick in the 2019 draft, was placed in quarantine earlier this week due to an outbreak of the virus in the Jukurit organization (The Liiga and U20 team).