Lehtera was not among the Blues protected players for the expansion draft.

EDGE Analysis

Lehtera has seen a drop in productivity in each of his three NHL season -- albeit his 2016-17 campaign was cut short by injury. The decision regarding the 29-year-old's status for the expansion draft likely had more to do with the talent ahead of him on the depth chart -- both Paul Stastny and Patrik Berglund were protected -- than Lehtera's abilities. If the center can stay healthy, he could add some much needed depth scoring, regardless of where he lands.