In a shocking turn of events, Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner will be missing his third consecutive season, leaving fans and teammates alike wondering about what lies ahead for the enigmatic netminder.
“Robin will not be reporting to the club this year,” Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon boldly stated, shedding light on Lehner’s unfortunate absence. “He continues to be unfit to play. There are unique circumstances surrounding this situation that the NHL, the NHLPA and (Vegas) are working through. Collectively, we are assessing our next steps, and when we have more to say, we will.”
With Lehner on the sidelines, the Golden Knights will be relying on Adin Hill and Ilya Samsonov to man the crease this season. It’s a daunting task for the duo, as they aim to fill the void left by Lehner’s absence and help the team continue their streak of making the playoffs in six of the past seven years.
The 33-year-old goaltender was ruled out for the entirety of the 2022-23 season due to a need for hip surgery, an ailment that has kept him off the ice for an extended period of time. Despite the setback, Lehner’s impact on the team has not been forgotten, as his absence will surely be felt in the locker room and on the ice.
Hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, Lehner last appeared in 44 games during the 2021-22 season, marking his 12th year in the NHL. He posted a respectable record of 23-17-2, along with a goals-against average of 2.83 and a save percentage of .907. His contributions to the team were undeniable, making his absence all the more impactful.
As Lehner enters the final year of his five-year, $25 million contract, questions linger about his future in the league and whether he will be able to make a successful comeback. Only time will tell what lies ahead for the talented goaltender, but one thing is for certain – his presence will be sorely missed on the ice this season.
