Golden Knights’ Robin Lehner is ‘waiting for things to be sorted out’
Just a couple of days after not reporting to training camp for a mandatory preseason physical, Robin Lehner made a statement about his absence.
“All I can say at this time,” Lehner said. “Is everyone knows why I couldn’t be there. I am waiting calmly for things to be sorted out.”
Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli said on Thursday that the team is looking into various options for handling Lehner’s situation. Players who are set to go on long-term injured reserve must take a physical before training camp begins in order to establish they are still unable to play. However, those who elect not to report are subject to contract termination, an avenue Vegas is considering.
Lehner last appeared in an NHL game on April 20, 2022, and was on his way to missing a third consecutive season due to injury following hip surgery he underwent in Aug. 2022. The 2024-25 season is the last on Lehner’s five-year contract with an AAV of $5 million. The actual base salary for this season is $4.4 million.
Seravalli also reported that many knew that Lehner was not going to report for his physical and that the NHL, NHLPA, and Vegas are trying to figure out a solution.
Lehner had played in parts of 12 NHL seasons. The Swedish netminder was taken in the second round of the 2009 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators. After several seasons with the organization, he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in June 2015. Lehner had some tough years in Buffalo, as he admitted he was through mental struggles.
After seeking help, he was revitalized when he signed with the New York Islanders in July 2018. Along with Thomas Greiss, the duo won the Jennings Trophy and pushed the Islanders to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Lehner took home the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy as well.
In July 2019, he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks but was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs, then Golden Knights, on Feb. 24, 2020. With Vegas, his play got the team to the semifinals in 2020 and 2021, falling short of the final both times. In 2021, Lehner won the Jennings Trophy for the second time.
In 364 NHL games, Lehner has a record of 152-141-49 with a 2.71 goals-against average, a .917 save percentage and 17 shutouts. He also has a playoff record of 14-14 with a 2.19 GAA, a .919 SV% and four shutouts.