In North America, the situation of NHL goalkeeper Robin Lehner is talking. The goalkeeper did not arrive at the training camp of his club Vegas Golden Knights for a mandatory health check.
Daily Faceoff’s experienced NHL reporter was the first to report on the matter Frank Seravallin by the club is now looking into the possibilities of firing the 33-year-old by Robin Lehner agreement.
The Golden Knights have considered the matter with the NHL, which in turn has clarified with the players’ association how to act in the situation.
The Swedish goalkeeper has not played since spring 2022. He underwent hip surgery in August 2022. He would now be entering the final season of his five-year, $25 million contract.
The collective agreement between the NHL and the players’ association NHLPA stipulates that players who have been injured must pass a medical examination in order to be allowed to play.
According to the NHL media, the situation is rare. The club would like to get rid of the salary burden of a goalkeeper who has not played for a long time. The NHLPA, which takes care of the players’ rights, naturally wants to avoid a new precedent.
Inner demons
Lehner moved to North America from Frölunda after the 2008–09 season. He rose through the OHL and AHL to the NHL, where he has represented Ottawa, Buffalo, New York Islanders, Chicago and, since the 2019-20 season, Vegas.
The big goalie has won the Williams Jennings Trophy twice, being part of the team that conceded the fewest goals in the regular season.
Lehner became one of the NHL’s best goaltenders, but his career has been colored by several headlines and personal problems, which Lehner has spoken openly about.
Lehner has spoken about her struggles with bipolar disorder, ADHD and the stress disorder PTSD. In addition, he has been open about his drug and alcohol addiction.
– I wanted to kill myself. I was extremely close a few times. The hockey battle was nothing compared to the battle inside my head, Lehner said in 2018.
The use of money has also been reckless, which drove Lehner into personal bankruptcy.
According to his story, the goalkeeper sobered up in 2018 with rehab. Since then, he has sharply criticized the NHL for the way the clubs treat the players’ use of medication, among other things.
Sources: Daily Faceoff, Sportsnet