Report: Sabres expected to part ways with Robin Lehner

Goaltender Robin Lehner could reportedly jump from RFA to UFA before free agency opens.

The Buffalo Sabres aren't expected to offer the pending restricted free agent a qualifying offer as July 1 nears, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie, leaving the club with a gaping hole between the pipes.

If Lehner leaves, Buffalo will be without an NHL goalie - although Linus Ullmark is expected to graduate from the AHL this fall. Chad Johnson, Lehner's backup this past season, is a UFA.

Lehner, who has split his NHL career between the Ottawa Senators and Sabres, has a save percentage of .915 through 219 games. He would join an underwhelming UFA goalie class headlined by Jaroslav Halak, Cam Ward, Kari Lehtonen, Jonathan Bernier, and Carter Hutton.