Many words can be used to describe the end of Robin Lehner's Vegas Golden Knights career.
Odd.
Bizarre.
Head-Scratching.
These are a few that come to mind when talking about the netminder's fall from grace. That comes with numerous head-scratching headlines involving a snake farm and a missed physical exam. It seems like neither side can catch a break. Now, it's led to Kelly McCrimmon evaluating his options regarding his contract.
Sources: Vegas @GoldenKnights reviewing options, up to and including contract termination, after Robin Lehner failed to report for a mandatory medical exam to open training camp.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 19, 2024
There's a lot on the line for VGK, for Lehner and for the #NHLPA. Story:https://t.co/6r3CqAOfA0
A previous article mentioned Marc-Andre Fleury's impact on the Golden Knights. That included having four of the winningest seasons in franchise history, which set him apart from the competition. How so? He holds all four top spots, making himself heads and shoulders above other netminders. That includes Lehner, who was supposed to be his heir apparent. Now? He's become a tragic tale of what could've been if misfortune didn't strike.
That leads to many questions surrounding the goaltender's ending with the team. It's clear he won't be re-signed with the Golden Knights. However, there are consequences to his actions, which could hurt the team for the upcoming 2024-25 season. How did this situation get this far? What started this downtrend for Lehner's career?
How Robin Lehner's bizarre ending with the Vegas Golden Knights was years in the making
Robin Lehner was supposed to be the replacement for Marc-Andre Fleury. In fact, the Golden Knights were so confident in the former New York Islanders goaltender that they traded Fleury to Chicago. Here, it wasn't until the legendary goaltender opened up Twitter to discover he had a new home. Life can play cruel tricks at times, can't it?
And did Lehner look great when he was on the ice! He had a GAA of 2.61 and a save percentage of .910 in three seasons. He continued strong campaigns from previous teams such as the Islanders and Ottawa Senators. It looked like the team found its replacement for the former Vezina Trophy winner, Marc-Andre Fleury.
...That was, until hip problems reared their ugly heads. A series of lower-body injures hurt Lehner at the end of the 2021-22 season, leaving him shelved for the upcoming seasons. That also led to Logan Thompson and Adin Hill becoming prominent figures, leading the Golden Knights to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
Then, there was the snake farm controversy. The Swedish goaltender started his business in 2019 in Plato, Missouri, eventually owing $27.3 million to creditors. It led to declaring Chapter 7 bankruptcy with his wife and facing fraud claims from those same creditors. The news left a weird feeling in Golden Knights fans, who were hoping for the goaltender to take the reins.
Now, Kelly McCrimmon has another problem with Lehner's missed physical exam
The news of Robin Lehner missing his physical exam surprised numerous Vegas Golden Knights fans, leaving them wondering what would happen next. Of course, it wasn't expected that he would make the training camp roster. However, his missed exam does have some consequences. For example, the Vegas Golden Knights can't place him on LTIR if he misses his physical.
Even players on LTIR for multiple seasons must undergo physical exams, leaving Vegas in a tough spot. On top of that, he's owed $4.5 million for the upcoming season, which could be removed if his contract is terminated. That also opens an LTIR spot if his deal's axed, leaving Vegas to add more players to the list.
Overall, the Robin Lehner saga has devolved into a bizarre turn of events. It's also a gentle reminder that players have their own struggles, whether it's with mental health or substance abuse. The netminder is human and he isn't expected to be perfect. But his latest move could put the franchise in a tough spot, leaving them playing financial limbo.