Report: Lehner won't count on Golden Knights' cap this season
Goaltender Robin Lehner won't count against the Vegas Golden Knights' salary cap this season after the two sides reached a resolution alongside the NHL and NHLPA, sources told Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.
Lehner will still receive his entire $4.5-million salary. His five-year, $25-million contract is set to expire after this season, but he's missed the last two campaigns following hip surgery in 2022.
The 33-year-old didn't show up for his mandatory medical at the start of training camp, though he had previously informed the team he would be unable to attend for personal reasons. The NHL's collective bargaining agreement states all players must be examined each season of their contract to be declared eligible for long-term injured reserve - where Lehner has been stashed since the start of the 2022-23 season.
Vegas won't have to use LTIR for Lehner this season, Seravalli notes. The organization solely wanted cap relief despite having grounds to terminate Lehner's contract, which would result in no pay. The NHLPA, meanwhile, prioritized protecting the netminder's earnings, which helped the two sides reach the settlement.
Lehner played parts of three seasons with the Golden Knights, posting a .910 save percentage in 66 games. He also suited up for the Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, and Chicago Blackhawks during his 12-year career.
Vegas now has $1.46 million in cap space, per PuckPedia.