Sports

In this Jan. 23, 2018, file photo, Philadelphia Flyers center Jori Lehtera (15) plays against the Detroit Red Wings during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Detroit. (AP Photo / Paul Sancya)

NHL Player Under Investigation After Drug Bust

By The Wildcard September 27, 2018 at 8:36am

The NHL said Thursday it is investigating Philadelphia Flyers forward Jori Lehtera after a report he is being questioned in connection with a drug bust in his native Finland.

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said the league is investigating the situation.

Lehtera’s lawyer, Ari Nieminen, said he expects police to release a statement clearing up some things that came out of the report.

“Police is giving this brief statement about this because this is getting out of hand,” Nieminen said by phone.

“They are going to clear some things up because there’s some kind of misunderstanding about his case.”

Finnish news agency MTV reported Wednesday that Lehtera is connected with an investigation into a cocaine ring.

#Flyers center Jori Lehtera has been named a suspect in
a large-scale cocaine bust in Finland, according to a Finnish news source. https://t.co/Qz9NvsdVDo #FlyersTalk pic.twitter.com/D0H4UrNGfZ

— Flyerdelphia (@Flyerdelphia) September 26, 2018

Do you think that the police statement will clarify Lehtera's involvement?

Nieminen said no charges have been filed against Lehtera.

“He’s only suspected,” Nieminen said. “In my opinion, very minor things. It’s wrong to say that he’s involved with this kind of thing what they are really investigating, the police.”

Jori Lehtera has reportedly been questioned by police in Finland about involvement in a cocaine ring. #Flyers pic.twitter.com/mSGbkMhpIZ

— Flyers Nation (@FlyersNation) September 26, 2018

Nieminen said he could not comment on specific details of the case. He expects the police briefing to come Friday.

A spokeswoman for the police department did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Lehtera, 30, is entering his fifth NHL season and is in the last year of his contract with Philadelphia.

He has played 280 regular-season and 39 playoff games for the St. Louis Blues and Flyers.

“We have spoken with Jori Lehtera and the league office regarding the reports out of Finland, and will reserve any further comment on the matter at this time,” Flyers general manager Ron Hextall said.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

Submit a Correction →