The Vegas Golden Knights are set to navigate the 2024-2025 NHL season with some key financial breathing room thanks to long-term injured reserve (LTIR) relief.
Goalie Robin Lehner, who was once a cornerstone of their goaltending strategy, continues to be unfit to play, a situation that dates back to the 2022-23 season. Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon confirmed that Lehner’s health remains unchanged, and his absence will once again provide the team with much-needed salary cap flexibility.
Robin Lehner’s Absence Provides LTIR Relief for the Vegas Golden Knights in 2024-2025
The Vegas Golden Knights will need to follow protocol in order to fully take advantage of LTIR relief for Robin Lehner. Despite his ongoing injury status, Lehner is still required to make an appearance at the Golden Knights’ training camp to undergo a medical evaluation, even if it’s just for half an hour. This ensures the team can officially place him on LTIR for the season.
There are also whispers circulating that the Golden Knights may consider buying out the final year of Lehner’s contract, though it seems the current priority is to use LTIR relief. By doing so, the team can maximize cap flexibility for the 2024-2025 season while keeping their long-term financials in check.
This added flexibility will be crucial as the Golden Knights prepare for another strong season and potential playoff run.
This isn’t the first time Vegas has capitalized on LTIR relief. Their 2023 Stanley Cup run was bolstered by similar relief strategies, allowing them to stack their roster without facing cap penalties. The Golden Knights are known for creatively navigating the cap, and Lehner’s situation presents another opportunity for the team to stay competitive.
Lehner, a Vezina finalist in 2019, was expected to be a key figure in Vegas’ crease after signing a five-year, $25 million contract. However, recurring injuries have derailed his career, and while the team undoubtedly misses his presence in net, the LTIR space gives them a silver lining. The tandem of Adin Hill and Ilya Samsonov are very capable, with Hill especially standing out in their Stanley Cup run.
For Golden Knights fans, the Lehner situation is bittersweet. While his unavailability is no surprise, the team’s depth and strategic salary management have kept them at the top of the league.
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