Former NY Islanders goalkeeper Robin Lehner is deemed “unfit to play” for this season

Life in the NHL has not been as great for Robin Lehner as he had imagined since he entered the NHL with the Ottawa Senators in the 2010/11 season.

The Swedish goalkeeper has played for five teams during his career and spent one season on Long Island with the NY Islanders.

Shortly after being traded to the desert from the Chicago Blackhawks in 2020, Lehner signed a five-year, $5 million annual contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. Since then, however, Lehner has missed more games than he has played.

Lehner played his last NHL game on April 20, 2022. In the summer of 2022, Lehner underwent hip surgery and missed the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

Another season without Robin Lehner

When the league began training camps this week, Lehner missed the Knights' mandatory pre-season physical. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, all players must complete their pre-season physical to be eligible for LTIR or risk forfeiting their contract.

“(Robin) will not be joining the club this year,” Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon said. “He remains unfit to play. There are unique circumstances in this situation that the NHL, the NHLPA and (Vegas) are working through. Together we are evaluating our next steps and when we have more to say, we will do so.”

It is unclear why Lehner is considered “unfit,” but the former Islander briefly commented on the situation.

“All I can say right now is that everyone knows why I couldn't be there,” Lehner said. “I'm just waiting for things to get sorted out.”

Lehner struggled with mental health and alcohol issues throughout his career, but his one season on Long Island seemed to be the breakthrough he needed to control the demons he was battling.

Although his time with the Islanders was short, it played an important role in Lehner's life, along with the fan base. Shortly after leaving the Islanders, Lehner revealed a tattoo of Long Island on his neck and pointed at it after his first game against the Islanders.

Whatever Lehner goes through, we all hope he can pull through and come out stronger.