Lehtera isn't likely to have his contract bought out by the Flyers, despite how the center yielded a disappointing eight points over 62 games this season, NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Finn has one year remaining on his contract with a hefty cap hit of $4.7 million, but Flyers GM Ron Hextall has made it clear that he doesn't intend to write off Lehtera, who also skated to a minus-8 rating this year. "There's a lot of reasons you don't just buy a guy out because he makes a little bit more than that type of role should make," Hextall said. "Jori was a good role player for us. He's a terrific human being. He works hard. He's really good with our young kids. There's a lot more to it than just saying 'Okay, Jori Lehtera was playing center and playing 8-10 minutes." While the continuity of sticking in Philadelphia's system figures to be a positive, Lehtera would need the promise of more ice time to justify taking him even in the late rounds of fantasy drafts.

Lehtera pitched in eight points (three goals, seven assists) in 62 games in 2017-18, while averaging 10:32 of ice time.

EDGE Analysis

Throughout the season Lehtera largely appeared on the fourth line, and was used mainly in defensive situations as he was able to win 57 percent of his faceoffs. The 30-year-old's seen his point production drop each of his four seasons in the NHL after putting up 44 his rookie year, but he did just fire off 45 shots on the season, and was never given a role on the power play. Lehtera will come back to Philadelphia for his final season on his contract, but could be pushed by Mike Vecchione for playing time.

Lehtera was a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game during Sunday's 6-3 win over Washington.

EDGE Analysis

The Finn had been playing regularly, but with just three goals and two assists through his previous 36 games, it's not surprising to see him sitting out with a playoff berth at stake. Lehtera may draw back into the lineup over the coming weeks, but fantasy owners should probably aim higher in most settings. After all, among all forwards with at least 500 minutes this season, Lehtera's 0.76 points per hour rank seventh last.

Lehtera (illness) is in the projected lineup for Thursday's game against the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

Lehtera missed Wednesday's practice due to an illness, but he's evidently feeling better ahead of Philadelphia's clash with Columbus. The 30-year-old pivot, who's only notched one goal and five points in 42 contests this campaign, will slot into a bottom-six role against the Blue Jackets, skating with Valtteri Filppula and Dale Weise on the Flyers' fourth line.

Lehtera missed Wednesday's practice due to an illness, Sam Carchidi of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The former St. Louis Blue has found life difficult in his first season with the Flyers, scoring just one goal and five points through 42 games while mostly filling a fourth-line role. Philadelphia should provide a further update on Lehtera's status for Thursday's game against Columbus at some point after the day's morning skate, though it will have a limited impact on lineup decisions for fantasy owners.

Lehtera skated to a plus-2 rating and added two points -- a goal and an assist -- in Sunday's 7-4 road win over the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

The 30-year-old forward snapped a 16-game point drought by recording his first box-score multiplier of the 2017-18 campaign -- including his first goal as a Flyer. Lehtera's gone against the grain by steadily decreasing his point totals every year since notching 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) through 75 games as a rookie with the Blues in 2014-15. It's safe to ignore him in fantasy circles.

Lehtera has recorded just three assists and 13 shots through 26 games this season.

EDGE Analysis

The 30-year-old Finn has been a disaster in his first season with the Flyers. Lehtera has spent most of the campaign in a depth role or as a healthy scratch, and his offensive numbers have him way off the fantasy grid in most settings. He's also well on his way to declining goal and assist totals for the third consecutive year. Don't fret ignoring Lehtera.

Lehtera (illness) will serve as a healthy scratch versus the Kings on Monday, Adam Kimelman of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Back to 100 percent on the health front, Lehtera finds himself in a familiar role of being the odd man out. All told, the center has missed 15 games this season either due to malady or simply as an observer. Without a clearly defined role, the 29-year-old is unlikely to offer much in terms of fantasy value.

Lehtera (illness) will not be in the lineup against the Stars on Saturday, Adam Kimelman of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Considering Lehtera has frequently served as a healthy scratch this season, there was no guarantee he would even have cracked the lineup if he was healthy. Even when he is on the ice, the center has been limited to a mere two helpers, 10 shots on goals and a minus-5 rating -- not exactly the type of numbers fantasy owners would be looking for.

Lehtera (illness) won't be in the lineup Thursday evening against the Sabres since the Flyers don't appear to be making any changes following Tuesday's win over the Maple Leafs, per Adam Kimelman of NHL.com.

EDGE Analysis

This will be the fifth straight absence for Lehtera, who only has two even-strength assists representing his point total through 17 contests this season. Scott Laughton should continue manning the fourth-line center position in Lehtera's stead.