Vegas Golden Knights forced Robin Lehner to delay surgery for 'cap implications'

PUBLICATION

Josh tupper
April 25, 2022 (6:28 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Robin Lehner situation in Las Vegas continues to get even stranger. According to Emily Kaplan of The Athletic, Robin Lehner requires season ending shoulder surgery and he approached the team about his decision on Thursday. Kaplan shared that the Vegas medical staff agreed with Lehner, but there was a catch...Vegas management wanted Lehner to backup Sunday for "cap implications".

Robin Lehner is getting season ending surgery, sources told ESPN.

Lehner had battled back from a major knee injury he sustained in Philadelphia on March 8. He gave it all he could but his body finally gave out.

ESPN Sources: Robin Lehner told VGK on Thursday he was getting surgery.

Team doctor agreed it was best course of action after evaluation Saturday. Then team asked the goalie to delay & back up last night before allowing it. They cited cap implications, per sources.

If this is true this is a ridiculous precedent to set. Vegas' medical staff agreed Lehner required surgery, but essentially forced him to backup Logan Thompson last night.

What would have happened if Thompson was injured and forced to leave the game? Would they have forced Lehner into the net? What would have happened if Lehner played and worsened his injury? This is the sort of situation that the NHL MUST address. The Golden Knights putting cap compliance ahead of emergency recalling a goalie should be the final straw for the league.

Vegas' loss last night meant Vegas no longer have control of their playoff lives, so is it a mere coincidence that Lehner goes under the knife right after the loss?