The Dallas Stars on Friday signed goaltender Kari Lehtonen to a five-year, $29.5 million contract extension.

The deal, which starts next season, has an annual average value of $5.9 million, and keeps Lehtonen with the team through the 2017-18 season.

“Kari Lehtonen has worked extremely hard in his time with the Dallas Stars to establish himself as an elite goaltender in the NHL,” General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk said. “We believe that his best days as a goaltender are ahead, and that his work ethic and leadership will help guide this team into a perennial Stanley Cup contender.”

Lehtonen, 28, went 32-22-4 in 59 games last season. He set career-bests with a 2.33 goals-against average and .922 save percentage, each of which ranked in the top 10 in the League. His 32 wins were the second-most he’s had in a season, and his four shutouts tied his career-high..

He’s won 66 games the last two seasons with the Stars.

Originally selected by the Atlanta Thrashers with the second pick of the 2002 Entry Draft, Lehtonen has 166 wins in 334 games, with a 2.71 GAA and .914 save percentage.


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