Golden Knights trying to terminate Robin Lehner's contract after skipping mandatory event

Vegas is pursuing this action after Lehner failed to report to a mandatory pre-season medical exam. Lehner wasn't expected to return this season after having extensive hip surgery, but the test is required to determine his ineligibility to play and is a contractual obligation. There is no dispute that Lehner did not show up for his medical test, and with this failure, the Golden Knights could get out of the rest of Lehner's contract. He's signed for one more year at $5M.

Now 33 years old, Robin Lehner hasn't played in the NHL since April of 2022. He was a huge fan favourite throughout the NHL for his outspokenness on the importance of mental health. Lehner himself has struggled with mental health and substance abuse through his career, which resulted in entering the Player Assistance Program. Unfortunately, his personal struggles are continuing, as Lehner also filed for bankruptcy this summer. Lehner is claiming $50M in debts, and losing his $5M salary this year won't help at all.

If the Golden Knights are successful in terminating Lehner's contract, they will not have to pay out any of the money involved, and they won't have to begin the year using LTIR again. Daily Faceoff reached out to Lehner's agent for comment, who did not respond.

Lehner played 364 NHL games in his career for the Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islander, Chicago Blackhawks, and Vegas Golden Knights. He won the William Jennings trophy twice, and posted a very impressive .917 save percentage in his career.

The result of this contract dispute will have major implications for the Golden Knights this upcoming year, and set a precedent for any other player in a similar position. The hockey world will be closely tracking this storyline between Lehner and the Knights.

Source: Daily Faceoff