Breaking: Flyers place their most controversial player on waivers!

The Philadelphia Flyers are focused on making the postseason and nothing will come in their way as the team currently rides an eight-game winning streak. The Flyers therefore decided to make important moves, and while everyone is keeping an eye out on Wayne Simmonds and wondering if the veteran forward will be moved ahead of the trade deadline, the Flyers pulled another significant move on Wednesday. 

The Flyers have reportedly placed controversial forward Jori Lehtera on waivers. The forward was not on the ice for practice on Wednesday, as reported by team insider John Boruk of NBC Philly. 

As you remember, Lehtera was officially charged by Finnish authorities in connection with a major drug bust in that country. Lehtera stands accused of purchasing drugs from a large distribution ring in Finland, a distribution ring that was the target of a sting by Finnish authorities and one that Lehtera was caught up in at the time. 

Lehtera reportedly purchased a whopping 8 grams cocaine during the months of June and July while in nightclubs in the Finnish town of Tampere. This not only speaks to the obvious criminal behavior on the part of Lehtera but would also appear to suggest that he may have a considerable drug habit that he is dealing with, assuming of course that these charges will hold up in court and will result in a conviction of Lehtera. 

For what it's worth Lehtera has denied ever buying drugs from any of the 21 other people charged in this case but he has however admitted to knowing at least 2 of them. His excuse for giving them large sums of money would appear to stretch the limits of credulity but it's important to remember that he is innocent until proven guilty.

However, the Flyers might want to have all things in order and no drama for their playoff quest. 

Through the 2018-19 regular season Lehtera has appeared in 27 games for the Flyers and has recorded one goal and two assists for three total points, 33 penalty minutes, and boasts a plus minus rating of -7 on the season. He has been a healthy scratch for the first two games of February.

He is in the final year of his contract and carries a $4.7 million cap hit on the three-year deal he signed with the St. Louis Blues in 2015. While he did have a breakout rookie season with the Blues with 14 goals and 33 points in 75 games, he hasn't proven he can do the same for the Flyers...