2 weeks Ago By Dan Kingerski, Vegas Hockey Now
The Vegas Golden Knights confirmed Robin Lehner will not report to the team this season, but the story does not end there. The goaltender who became a fan favorite after replacing Original Misfit Marc-Andre Fleury in the summer of 2021 has not played for the Golden Knights since the 2021-22 season. Knee and hip injuries interrupted his career, and he returned to his native Sweden.
Lehner did not report to Las Vegas for his physical at the start of training camp, which is required. “Robin will not be reporting to the club this year. He continues to be unfit to play,” general manager Kelly McCrimmon said Thursday.
There are unique circumstances surrounding this situation that the NHL, the NHLPA, and we are working through. Collectively, the club are assessing our next steps, and when we have more to say, we will.” Lehner has also publicly battled mental health issues in his career, including bipolar disorder and ADHD.
He has been through the NHL player assistance program. By not showing up Wednesday for the team physical, the Golden Knights could move to terminate his contract, thus absolving them of his $4.5 million salary and his $5 million salary cap hit.
That process would go through the NHL and NHLPA. The NHLPA typically represents players against teams and the league when a club attempts to terminate a contract. However, it should be noted that McCrimmon stopped short of specifically saying contract termination was an option.
Lehner was presumed to spend the season on long-term injured reserve for the third consecutive season. This article first appeared on Vegas Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission..
