Who knew Jori Lehtera might be the Pablo Escobar of Finland?
According to a report, the Philadelphia Flyers' fourth liner is a suspect in connection with a cocaine ring in his native country.
He has been questioned by police in Finland after his cottage in the Finnish town of Tampere was reportedly raided this summer. According to Finnish news site MTV.fi, police have seized 650,000 Euro worth of jewelry and valuables in connection with the case. No charges have been filed and Lehtera has denied any wrongdoing.
“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 GM Ron Hextall said in a statement.
Lehtera, 30, scored three goals and five assists in 62 games last season. The 6-foot-2, 212 pounder had two assists in last spring's first-round playoff series against the Penguins. Lehtera is perhaps best remembered for laying out Ryan Reaves with a clean open ice hit during a November game at PPG Paints Arena.
He was dealt from St. Louis to Philadelphia prior to last season and is in the final season of a three-year, $14.3 million contract.