Fans are very worried for Robin Lehner after update from the Golden Knights

There's a growing concern in the hockey world that Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner is not well. 

Yesterday, Lehner neglected to show up for the opening of the Vegas Golden Knights' training camp, an act that could cost him his $5 million annual salary. Lehner hasn't played a game since 2022 due to an ongoing hip injury, but in order for his contract to remain valid he must report to the team's medical staff for testing. He failed to show up and is now in violation of the terms of his contract, which may result in it being terminated by the club.

The concern for Lehner isn't so much for his hip injury, but for his mental wellbeing. Lehner has a history of addiction and has been very public about his struggles with drugs and alcohol. Fans are fearing the worst: That he has relapsed and isn't in a good mental state.

Personally speaking, I would have to be in a pretty bad state to cost myself a free $5 million pay check. I sincerely hope the best for Lehner.

Read below for our earlier report on Lehner, published yesterday by Hockey Feed staff writer Christine Gosselin.

The Vegas Golden Knights are reportedly considering contract termination amongst other options when it comes to veteran goalie Robin Lehner, who failed to attend training camp for a mandatory pre-season medical exam required to confirm his ineligibility to play, according to Daily Face-Off:

“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.”

Lehner signed a five-year, $25 million contract in October 2020, has not played a game with the team since April 20, 2022. In that last game played, he allowed one goal on 13 shots in the first period against the Washington Capitals and was pulled in relief of Logan Thompson. At the end of that campaign, he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery and has been ruled out since before the 2022-23 season due to hip surgery.

Since, Lehner has not been seen with the Golden Knights, who still expected him to show up for the mandatory pre-season physical.

“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,” writes Frank Seravalli.

Vegas acquired Lehner in February 2020 from the Chicago Blackhawks for goaltender Malcolm Subban, prospect Slava Demin and a second-round pick in that year’s draft. 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. Now that salary is at stake since he did not show up to camp. Seravalli adds: 

“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.”

Lehner has been dealing with quite a bit lately after he and his wife filed for bankruptcy on Dec. 30, 2022. Filings showed the Lehners owed creditors $27.3 million.

Not sure he can afford another legal issue. No pun intended.