The Vegas Golden Knights are exploring their options after goaltender Robin Lehner failed to report for a medical exam. All options, including contract termination, are on the table for Vegas.
Lehner Faces Punishment After Missing Medical Exam
Sources: Vegas @GoldenKnights reviewing options, up to and including contract termination, after Robin Lehner failed to report for a mandatory medical exam to open training camp.
There's a lot on the line for VGK, for Lehner and for the #NHLPA. Story:https://t.co/6r3CqAOfA0
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 19, 2024
The 33-year old has not played in the NHL since April of 2022. Furthermore, Lehner was expected to miss his third consecutive full season. While Lehner did undergo hip surgery in August of 2022, he has not been able to recover enough to play. The medical exam that Lehner missed was to confirm he could not play this season. The medical exam is required per the agreement between the NHL and the NHL Player’s Association. Once the exam was completed, Lehner could have been placed on long-term injured reserve.
What This Means for the Golden Knights
The Golden Knights were preparing to not have Lehner, so this situation has no effect on who is available on the ice for the Knights. However, there are financial ramifications that may arise from this. Without the formal medical exam, Lehner cannot be placed on LTIR. As a result, his $4.5 million would still count against the salary cap.
On the other hand, the Golden Knights have other options. Since Lehner missed the medical exam, Vegas could terminate his contract entirely. This would not only remove $4.5 million from the cap, but it would remove the money all together. That would be $4.5 million Vegas could use in a different way. The team has given out many big contracts, so any extra money they can save will be welcomed.
The NHLPA’s Role in the Situation
The NHLPA will certainly not doubt Lehner’s failure to show up for his medical exam. However, they will want this process to play out in a way that protects other injured players. In short, the NHLPA will want to make sure that what happens with Lehner cannot be used by another team as a loophole to terminate a contract. The Golden Knights are currently discussing their options with both the NHL and the NHLPA.
What This Means for Lehner
Unfortunately for Lehner, he may be loosing his pay this season. It has been a rough few seasons for the goaltender. He has been open and advocating for more conversation surrounding mental health, drug and alcohol addiction, and trauma. Lehner has discussed 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. Lehner was able to turn his life around and find success on the ice, earning the contract he has today. Unfortunately, a poor choice may cost him that.
In times like this, it is important to look past the goalie mask and see Robin Lehner, the human being. Lehner may be battling a problem right now. Hopefully, Lehner is able to get any help he may need to help resolve this issue, and see him get paid.
Main Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports
