The Benefits of Trading Robin Lehner at the Deadline

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The long awaited Golden Knights debut of Jack Eichel has been something that players, fans, and coaches have been waiting for. Now that it’s here, we couldn’t be more ready. But, let’s not forget the upcoming problems we have moving forward.

When the Vegas Golden Knights traded for Jack Eichel, it was to obtain another superstar in order to give them an edge in the playoffs. However, while trading for him seemed like a good idea, there are going to be some problems moving forward. However, if they were to make one simple trade, they could be a in for a lot smoother ride.

The Vegas Golden Knights have a lot of questions that need to be addressed moving forward. Lucky for the Knights I have a solution- Trade Robin Lehner.

Now, this isn’t meant to be a hit at Robin Lehner’s performance, in fact I believe in Robin Lehner. I feel people hate on him way to much, but that’s not the point in this article. The point of this article is to find a way to keep the team under the cap. Unfortunately, trading Robin Lehner makes sense in more ways than one. So, let’s talk about it.

The Vegas Golden Knights gather after Alex Pietrangelo’s goal. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Digging Into the Golden Knights Cap Space

I did some math regarding the Vegas Golden Knights cap hit next season, and they are really not in a good position.

The Golden Knights currently have three players listed as unrestricted free agents. Those players are Reilly Smith, Mattias Janmark, and Ben Hutton. Additionally, they also have five players listed as restricted free agents. Those players include Brett Howden, Adam Brooks, Nicolas Roy, Keegan Kolesar, and Nicolas Hague. Now, there is nothing wrong with that until you realize that the Golden Knights currently, as it stands, have $2,050,000 to re-sign any of those players.

I personally can’t imagine them wanting to let Brett Howden, Nicolas Roy, and Nicolas Hague walk in free agency. The Knights have stressed how much they like Brett Howden and how he has grown as a player over the year and I agree with them. Similarly, they also seem to really like Nicolas Roy and I once again agree with them.

As it comes to Nicolas Hague, the defenseman has the talent to become a top defenseman for the Golden Knights and letting him walk in free agency would potentially be a big mistake. Which, that brings me back too what I was saying. They are going to be so tight with the cap as it sits that they have to do something. That brings me to why they should trade Robin Lehner.

The Vegas Golden Knights goalie, Robin Lehner, getting ready for action. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Why the Golden Knights Should Trade Robin Lehner

Robin Lehner, or if you prefer his nickname ‘Panda,’ has been one of the most hated Golden Knights over the course of the season. Since they chose Lehner over former goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, Lehner has been repeatedly hated on by Golden Knights fans. Quite frankly I don’t get it. I mean he’s your goalie, shouldn’t you want to pick him up? Anyways, time to get back on track.

Robin Lehner currently has a cap hit of $5,000,000 and given the Knights current cap situation, that is simply too much. Now, do I want to trade Lehner, no. Not really. But it’s a business and this move makes sense.

After I said that I’m sure you asked yourself why it makes sense. Not only would that trade clear some cap space for the Golden Knights to possibly re-sign some of these players in the future or hit free agency to upgrade their team.

Now, maybe some of you have confidence in Laurent Brossoit to take over for Lehner, maybe some of you don’t. Either way, it’s okay. However, I’m more concerned for the future of the goalie position with Logan Thompson.

He’s currently 24 years old and isn’t getting any younger. Eventually you have to give him a shot to see what the Golden Knights have in him and that means finding a way to get him starts. Maybe he works out, maybe he doesn’t, but once again you have to see what you got in him.

Hot. Where Do Lehner/Brossoit Rank Amongst the NHL's Best Goalie Tandems. light

Robin Lehner has played well this season when everything is considered. More than that, he’s played better than probably a quarter of the goalies in the league. So what does that mean for the Knights? Well it means that he may hold some trade value around the league and get this- he makes $5,000,000 AAV. Almost the exact amount that the Knights need to clear. But the question needs to be asked: Is Logan Thompson ready to actually become a NHL goalie?

Next. Analyzing the Top 10 Future Golden Knights Stars. dark

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