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"I am waiting calmly": Golden Knights' Robin Lehner finally addresses his absence from training camp
Vegas Golden Knights netminder Robin Lehner was absent in training camp this week ahead of the team's preseason opener on Sunday against the San Jose Sharks.
On Saturday, days after his absence from training camp, Lehner released a short statement relayed by top NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet:
“All I can say at this time is everyone knows why I couldn’t be there. I am waiting calmly for things to be sorted out.”
While Lehner hasn't played a game since his 2022 hip surgery, players on LTIR (long-term injury reserve) are required to participate in training camp physicals.
This is done to confirm that players are, in fact, injured and unable to play, which then in turn means his pay won't count against the salary cap so long as he's on LTIR.
While there has been little talk of Lehner playing this season and there have been no indications that he would actually participate in training camp, the two-time William M. Jennings Trophy winner is required to take a physical at training camp.
"We are assessing our next steps" - Vegas Golden Knights GM opens up on Robin Lehner situation following training camp absence
Robin Lehner's absence from training camp could have major implications for the season ahead and his future with the team.
Given that Lehner didn't report to training camp for his physical, the team could decide to terminate his contract to prevent his $5 million cap hit from counting against the Vegas Golden Knights this season.
On Thursday, prior to Robin Lehner's statement regarding his absence, Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon opened up on the situation while speaking to media members:
"He continues to be unfit to play, there are unique circumstances surrounding the situation that the NHL, the NHLPA and the club are currently working through," McCrimmon said. "Collectively, we are assessing our next steps and when we have more to say, we will. There’ll be nothing further until then.” [via Newsbreak].
Given that Lehner hasn't played since the 2021-22 season, if the Vegas Golden Knights wind up terminating his contract, there's a real possibility that we never see him set foot on the ice again in the NHL.
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