It’s been Goaltending month here at SinBin. Earlier this month we examined the offseason decisions that Golden Knights’ main office will have to make online. Last week you focused on the capitalization percentage and how much is the right amount to spend on goals. So, let’s continue Tendy Month by getting a glimpse of the exceptional Vegas backup goalkeeper as he tackles his future with the Golden Knights.
On Ottawa radio, the unrestricted free agent Robin Lehner explained his desire to find a permanent address this offseason.
I am looking for the right configuration for me and my family. I have a five year old and a two year old. My five year old has been on five different teams. I feel like I deserve to have some stability for myself and my family. -Lehner at TSN Ottawa
It has been a journey for Lehner. At 29 years old with ten years of NHL service, the goalkeeper hasn’t found a place to settle.
We will see what happens and what makes sense to me and my family. Saying that I need X years or dollars is not what it has been for me. I just try to give up as best I can and I think I have done so throughout my career. Obviously I have had other problems, but I have also taken the steps and taken those steps very seriously, I have recovered and I have shown that I am on a really good path that is only getting better and better. . -Lehner
The former senator, Saber, Islander and Blackhawk is proud of success on and off the ice and feels he has earned the opportunity to find a permanent NHL leadership. Especially for his wife and children.
I think I’ve been testing my stats for a long time and that I’m a very trustworthy goalkeeper … We’ll see what opens up and what makes sense to me and my family. We are excited to see what happens this offseason. -Lehner
Can the playoffs do anything to help take advantage of Lehner’s future contract negotiations? Will he have to compete with Marc-Andre Fleury for playing time and excel in the postseason?
I really don’t see it that way. I am ready to act if you need me. It is good to put pressure on yourself and others … I came here, Marc-Andre Fleury is one of the best. I have great respect for him. It is obviously the face of the franchise here. I am here to be ready if you need me. -Lehner
Lehner’s new pads are making their Phase 3 debut. Pic.twitter.com/6z1rfdFi9r
– SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) July 14, 2020
Trophy winner Jennings not only feels confident about his current team, but also feels that his previous teams were very talented.
Yes, he is good leadership here, very good talent … He is definitely up there. I thought we had a good legitimate shot at Long Island last season. Playing in Chicago this year before being traded, we had our ups and downs, but it’s also an incredibly talented team. Especially offensive … They can be a little helpless.-Lehner
The Blackhawks are one of the teams that will likely be buyers for a goalkeeper in free agency. They know him, but the question remains: does Chicago management want him back?
I thought there was a future there, and I did my best to have a future there, and still couldn’t have a future there. In the end, the last two weeks were difficult to find the necessary motivation.-Lehner, February 26.
Time will tell which team Lehner will end up signing. The situation does not seem set for a long-term partnership with Las Vegas, but it is still a possibility. Other maneuvers would have to be carried out (probably including the Fleury exchange) but from now on we will have to follow the numbers. Lehner’s starting price will be immediately above the Golden Knights limit. However, it wouldn’t be a total surprise if the free agent started the games in the postseason. After all, the organization reversed its strategy and negotiated for him and his expiring contract. Hell, Lehner could take Las Vegas to the Stanley Cup and keep walking.
If we have learned anything in the last three years, anything is possible.
** The full interview on TSN 1200 can be found here. As is the case with most Robin Lehner interviews, it’s worth listening to. **