Senators' Lehner cleared following concussion, could be top trade candidate
Robin Lehner could be in for a busy summer.
The goaltender, whose season was cut short due to a concussion, has received medial clearance and has begun working out.
On the flip side, however, Lehner's late-season absence from the lineup opened the door for Andrew Hammond's emergence, meaning the Swede may be dealt at some point during the offseason.
With a bevy of goalies on their depth chart - including Hammond, Craig Anderson, and Matt O'Connor - general manager Bryan Murray has been fielding trade calls, with the intent of moving one of the above.
As many as seven teams have made inquiries in regards to Anderson and Lehner, with the majority more interested in the latter, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.
Murray added the following on TSN 1200 Radio on Wednesday:
Murray says the club hasn't decided which goalie they will move. Waiting to get final offers from other teams and to make a decision.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) June 4, 2015
Interesting follow-up from Murray on which goalie they will move. "It's going to be the best offer for the guy we want to trade."
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) June 4, 2015
Lehner, a 2009 second-round pick, has been a highly touted prospect for some time, gradually receiving more playing time over the past few seasons to the point of his injury this past season.
At age 23, his upside remains high, and he could turn into a number one option for teams looking for goaltending help, such as the Edmonton Oilers or Buffalo Sabres.
For now, Lehner will work his way back into game shape, but could be wearing a different jersey come training camp.