Robin Lehner was lied to by the Golden Knights

Vegas Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner went viral last week when he claimed in a press conference that he was coerced into getting vaccinated against COVID-19 with promises of relaxed league protocols. Lehner was clearly frustrated when he explained how he was told players would have increased freedoms after being fully vaccinated. But once the players got their shots in Vegas, the NHL and NHLPA, in the name of competitive balance, didn’t lift restrictions on individual teams until all 31 clubs have been fully vaccinated.

The issue is that many insiders, including Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, believe Lehner was lied to. Here is how Friedman puts it in his latest 31 Thoughts column: 

“There’s a ton of respect for Robin Lehner and what he’s gone through. In the aftermath of his comments regarding promises made about relaxing protocols after vaccination, no one really wanted to push back against him or paint him in any kind of negative light. There’s a real understanding he’s coming from the proper place when it comes to mental health. Someone put him on the wrong path, however, because all the research I’ve done indicates there’s no way the NHL would have made any promise to relax protocols.”

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said no promises were made to players by the league or players’ association. Daly also told the league’s general managers in a meeting Wednesday not to expect any changes to the NHL’s policies through the end of the regular season, however, some alterations could take place for the playoffs. 

Seeing that players are isolated with team members only, it is easy to believe that person that placed Lehner in the wrong path comes from the Vegas’ organization… 

But Friedman explains it well, the NHL got scared in Vancouver. And can you blame them? 

“What happened with Vancouver spooked the league. During last week’s GM meetings, teams were told things were going to stay this way until at least the end of the regular season. That doesn’t mean Lehner lacks support. Other players and teams have asked about a loosening for some time now once vaccination rates get high enough. And I do think the league and NHLPA are in the process of determining how many have gotten their shots.

This year’s been a real grind. One player texted, half-jokingly, “You have no idea how sick of each other we are.” I can see the possibility of “slight” relaxation during the playoffs, since that time of year is taken very seriously, but Bettman made it very clear Monday he won’t risk Stanley Cup competition.”

Lehner has been public about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse. He hopes the 
NHL should enact similar changes to improve players’ mental health. 

But if the Golden Knights lied to Lehner, shouldn’t they be held accountable for his mental health and struggles as well?