Atlanta, GA (Best E Casino) - The Atlanta Thrashers on Friday placed goaltender Kari Lehtonen on injured reserve, retroactive to October 31.

In a corresponding roster move, Atlanta recalled forward Joey Crabb from the club's American Hockey League affiliate in Chicago.

Lehtonen, 25, has been sidelined since a 3-2 setback to the Rangers on October 30, first because of illness, and then because of a back ailment.

The Finnish netminder has struggled this season, going 2-5-2 with a 3.44 goals-against average and .903 save percentage.

Lehtonen was taken second overall by Atlanta in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.