Golden Knights Considering Options With Robin Lehner

The Vegas Golden Knights are considering different options with Robin Lehner after he failed to report for a medical exam.

Lehner last played in the 2021-22 season and has been on the LTIR since. He underwent hip surgery in Aug. 2022 and was set to enter the final year of his five-year, $25 million contract, with a $4.5 million salary owed for 2024-25. Throughout his Golden Knights career, he faced injuries as well as mental health issues.

Lehner failing to report to his mandatory preseason medical exam means that the Golden Knights could terminate his contract. According to Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff, the Golden Knights have consulted with the NHL on the issue, which in turn, has been in touch with the NHL Players’ Association regarding proper contractual treatment in light of a situation which includes unique circumstances.

Seravalli also stated that “the NHL-NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement stipulates that injured players, even those who have been on LTIR for multiple seasons, must undergo a medical exam at the start of every season they are under contract that confirms they are unfit to play. The player can then be placed on the long-term injury list at the team’s discretion and seek cap relief, if required.”

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Lehner is owed $4.5M but because there is no argument of whether Lehner showed up or not, the Golden Knights could move to terminate his contract, absolving themselves of the $4.5M and the $5M cap hit. They would also save an LTIR spot without Lehner recorded on their books.

Servalli states that the NHLPA will want to avoid a new precedent set and want to protect the rights of all players. Lehner has been open about his battles with bipolar disorder, ADHD and PTSD, as well as his undiagnosed mental health struggles that caused him to turn to drugs and alcohol, and then his journey and path to sobriety.

A once great goaltender and fan favourite lost his career to injuries.

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