Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Robin Lehner Saga Resolved

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated 10/6/24

The Vegas Golden Knights reached a resolution with goaltender Robin Lehner on Thursday after Lehner did not report to Training Camp for his mandatory physical. Lehner has not played a game since the end of the 2021-22 season, undergoing hip surgery that offseason and rehabbing away from the club.

“Sources say a resolution has been reached on Robin Lehner situation,” Seravalli shared via his X account. “Lehner will NOT be on Vegas’ salary cap this season. Believe Legner will still be paid. Big win for the Golden Knights, who will likely not have to operate in LTIR to start the season.”

Free agent?

With this move Lehner will not be a free agent. He’ll be a member of the Golden Knights throughout the season.

Here’s the full Robin Lehner situation explained: per @DailyFaceoff

Honestly i’m shocked his salary will be payed via revenue share. I think the NHLPA knew his financial and mental situations and didn’t want to completely let the guy loose to destroy his life. Unique situation pic.twitter.com/PEGcESGFSB

— TheHUBshow (@TheHUBshow_) October 3, 2024

Vegas will pay Lehner the $4.4 million salary he is owed for this year without any of it counting against the NHL’s salary cap despite the current CBA requiring players to report for their physical before being placed on long-term injured reserve. The salary will still count against the players’ share of the 50/50 revenue split with team owners.

NHL teams must be cap compliant at the start of the regular season, which begins this week. Had this resolution not been reached, the Golden Knights could have tried to terminate Lehner’s contract or would have begun the season using LTIR again.

In 2019, he won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey. The Swedish-born goalie has been an outspoken advocate over the past several years. Asking for more understanding around mental health. Lehner has opened up about his experiences with bipolar disorder, ADHD and PTSD, which led to substance abuse.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: