Golden Knights’ Resolution on Robin Lehner’s Contract Amid Injury and Personal Challenges

The Vegas Golden Knights have reached an agreement concerning the contract of their goaltender Robin Lehner, which involves paying the final year of his $25 million contract without it affecting the team’s salary cap. This development was confirmed by sources to ESPN and followed extensive deliberations involving the team, the National Hockey League (NHL), and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA).

The Swedish goaltender, who is due $4.4 million this season as part of a five-year contract, did not attend the team’s training camp for a mandatory physical. According to the collective bargaining agreement, such physicals are required for players on long-term injured reserve (LTIR). However, sources have indicated there was a significant reason Lehner could not be present in Las Vegas, a situation acknowledged by the team, the league, and the players’ association.

The nature of Lehner’s case has been described by league sources as “unprecedented and highly unique” due to its sensitivity. Lehner himself has opted not to comment publicly at this time.

Robin Lehner last participated in an NHL game in April 2022 and subsequently underwent hip surgery that summer, after which he has been rehabbing away from the team. Outside of his athletic pursuits, Lehner has been a prominent advocate for mental health awareness in recent years, openly discussing his personal battles with bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD, which have contributed to issues with substance abuse.

In recognition of his courage and perseverance, Lehner was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2019, which honors the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.

The NHL mandates that teams adhere to salary cap compliance at the season’s beginning. Without this resolution, the Golden Knights may have faced the possibility of either terminating Lehner’s contract or commencing the season with him on LTIR yet again.