Singular Contractual Arrangement of Robin Lehner with Las Vegas Golden Knights

Robin Lehner, the distinguished goalie for the Golden Knights, will receive payment for the final year of his $25 million contract, despite not being a part of the team’s salary cap, according to informed sources. This arrangement, finalized after extensive discussions among the Golden Knights, the National Hockey League (NHL), and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), was reached on a recent Thursday.

Unusual Conditions Surround Lehner’s Situation

Lehner, at 33, is due to receive a sum of $4.4 million to finalize his five-year contract this season. The goalie, however, didn’t make an appearance at the training camp for the obligatory physical examination — a stipulation as per the collective bargaining agreement for players on the long-term injured reserve (LTIR). According to credible sources, there was a distinct reason why Lehner couldn’t be present in Vegas, which was known to the team, league, and players’ association.

Due to the delicate nature of Lehner’s circumstances, insiders from the league described it as a “revolutionary and highly distinctive” case.

Lehner’s Silence and Advocacy for Mental Health

The last time Lehner participated in an NHL game was in April 2022, after which he underwent a hip surgery in the summer and continued his recovery away from the team.

Born in Sweden, Lehner has been a vocal proponent over the past few years for greater understanding and empathy towards mental health issues. He has publicly shared his experiences with bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD, conditions that led him to substance abuse. Lehner’s resilience and dedication to ice hockey earned him the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2019, an award given to the NHL player who best embodies the spirit of endurance, sportsmanship, and commitment to the sport.

The Implications of Lehner’s Contract on the Golden Knights

As the regular season commences this week, NHL teams are required to comply with the cap. Without this unique agreement, the Golden Knights might have had to dissolve Lehner’s contract or begin the season with the goalie on LTIR once again.