Sources: Golden Knights reviewing options after Robin Lehner failed to report for medical

The Vegas Golden Knights are reviewing their options, up to and including contract termination, after goaltender Robin Lehner failed to attend training camp for a mandatory pre-season medical exam required to confirm his ineligibility to play, multiple sources told 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.

Lehner, 33, has not played in the NHL since April 20, 2022 and was expected to miss his third consecutive full season due to injury this year after undergoing hip surgery in Aug. 2022. He was set to enter the final year of his five-year, $25 million contract, with a $4.5 million salary owed for 2024-25.

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.

There is a lot riding on these contractual discussions – for Lehner, for the Golden Knights and for the NHLPA. Lehner has $4.5 million in salary at stake, since there is no dispute that he failed to show up on Wednesday. The Golden Knights could move to terminate Lehner’s contract and not only absolve themselves of the $4.5 million financial commitment, but more importantly, his $5 million cap hit this season and potentially eliminate the need to start another season in LTIR. The NHLPA, of course, will want to avoid a new precedent set and want to protect the rights of all players – particularly injured players whose pay is guaranteed. Lehner also acknowledged he was a participant in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

The Golden Knights, the NHLPA and Lehner’s representation at Newport Sports all did not immediately return requests for comment when reached by Daily Faceoff on Wednesday after normal business hours.

Lehner was an immense fan favorite during his career for his work both on and off the ice. In 2018-19 with the New York Islanders, he captured the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy and finished third in Vezina Trophy voting for top goaltender. He has been open and advocated for more conversation surrounding mental health, drug and alcohol addiction and trauma. Lehner was public in discussing his battles with bipolar disorder, ADHD and PTSD, his undiagnosed mental health struggles that caused him to turn to drugs and alcohol, and then his journey and path to sobriety that helped lead him to this life-changing, $25 million deal with the Golden Knights that now may be in peril.