Robin Lehner, a Swedish goaltender, embarked on his professional hockey journey in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators. Drafted 46th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Lehner began to gain attention for his performances in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Binghamton Senators. His time in the AHL was marked by a Calder Cup victory in 2011, where he was named the playoff MVP, setting the stage for his transition to the NHL.
Lehner's NHL career officially took off with the Ottawa Senators, where he served as a backup goaltender and occasionally stepped into the starting role. His tenure with Ottawa was characterized by his strong performances in net, showcasing his potential as a reliable goaltender. However, injuries and the presence of other goaltenders limited his opportunities to fully establish himself as the team's primary option.
In 2015, Lehner was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he assumed the role of starting goaltender. During his time with the Sabres, Lehner demonstrated his ability to handle a heavy workload, often facing a high volume of shots. Despite the team's struggles, he posted respectable numbers and earned a reputation for his competitive nature and ability to make crucial saves.
Lehner's career took a significant turn when he signed with the New York Islanders in 2018. It was with the Islanders that he experienced a resurgence, both personally and professionally. Under the guidance of head coach Barry Trotz and goaltending coach Piero Greco, Lehner posted career-best statistics, including a .930 save percentage and a 2.13 goals-against average during the 2018-2019 season. His outstanding performance earned him a nomination for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's top goaltender, and he shared the William M. Jennings Trophy with teammate Thomas Greiss for allowing the fewest goals in the league.
Lehner's time with the Islanders also marked a period of personal growth, as he openly discussed his struggles with mental health and addiction. His candidness and advocacy for mental health awareness resonated with fans and players alike, earning him the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Following his successful stint with the Islanders, Lehner signed with the Chicago Blackhawks for the 2019-2020 season. His tenure in Chicago was relatively short, as he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights at the trade deadline. In Vegas, Lehner formed a formidable goaltending tandem with Marc-Andre Fleury, helping the team reach the Western Conference Final in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Lehner's performance with the Golden Knights led to a five-year contract extension, solidifying his role as a key component of the team's future. Throughout his time in Vegas, Lehner continued to deliver strong performances, contributing to the team's success in the regular season and playoffs.
Injuries, however, became a recurring theme in Lehner's later years with the Golden Knights. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected figure in the locker room and continued to advocate for mental health awareness within the hockey community.
Robin Lehner's career in the NHL was marked by his resilience and ability to overcome personal and professional obstacles.
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