NHL probing Flyer’s reported link to Finnish cocaine ring

A center for the Philadelphia Flyers is being investigated by the NHL after a news report in his native Finland linked him to a cocaine ring there, league officials confirmed.

Jori Lehtera, 30, is one of 23 suspects in an investigation involving the sale and distribution of two kilos of cocaine, Finnish news outlet MTV reported Wednesday. Lehtera, according to a translation of the report, has denied involvement, although seven other suspects have been jailed and more than $750,000 in assets, including property and jewelry, has been seized.

“We will be investigating the situation and will have no further comment pending the completion of that process,” Bill Daly, the NHL’s deputy commissioner, told the Courier-Post in a statement.

An attorney for Lehtera told the Associated Press that no charges have been filed against the Helsinki native and expects authorities in Finland to provide more information Friday.

“They are going to clear some things up because there’s some kind of misunderstanding about his case,” attorney Ari Nieminen said, adding that his client is only suspected of “very minor” accusations. He did not elaborate.

Ron Hextall, the Flyers’ general manager, also confirmed the team is aware of the allegations.

“We have spoken with Jori Lehtera and the league office regarding the reports out of Finland, and will reserve further comment on the matter at this time,” Hextall posted Wednesday on Twitter.

Lehtera, who started his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues, is set to begin his fifth season. The 6-foot-2 center has scored 33 goals in 280 games with the Flyers and the Blues. He remained on the team’s roster as of Thursday.