Vegas Golden Knights Robin Lehner “encouraged” after discussing malpractice allegations with NHL and NHLPA

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Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner said on Tuesday he was encouraged by his talks with the NHL and NHLPA after he accused the teams of giving players non-prescription pain relievers in a controversial Twitter thread on Saturday. .

Lehner intended to draw attention to the standoff between the Buffalo Sabers and former Lehner teammate Jack Eichel regarding his neck surgery options. But his accusations that teams are pushing benzodiazepines and Ambien to players without a prescription have garnered the most attention, including from the NHL.

“The last 72 hours have been really difficult, but also incredibly precious for me, for my career. [and] my life goals, ”Lehner said Tuesday, reading a statement prepared at Golden Knights training camp. “It’s not easy to do, but I had a great conversation with the NHL and NHLPA over the past day. I am excited about the potential change to be made to protect a younger generation. This is something that I have championed for years and I am encouraged by the approach they wish to take. I tried many avenues to make a change [based] about the things I have experienced in my career. “

Lehner said he was “very encouraged by the discussions I have had and that we will move forward,” but that his advocacy efforts will likely be less public in the future.

“I will always stand up for sanity. And defend this league. But in the future, I look forward to helping in a more private matter,” Lehner said. “This weekend has been a cry for help from this league. This league that I love has given me so much. I’m just trying to protect young players, and the only way to influence change, in my mind, is to do it in a non-public way. “

Lehner’s Twitter thread sparked controversy at the Philadelphia Flyers camp on Monday. During his accusations against NHL teams, Lehner appeared to imply that the Flyers were one of those pill pushing organizations and called for the firing of head coach Alain Vigneault.

“I was obviously very disappointed,” said Vigneault on Monday. “As far as pushing pills, I don’t need any other income. I have no idea where this is coming from. I don’t know what else to say. I don’t have any. idea.”

Lehner told ESPN’s Emily Kaplan on Monday that he was not trying to accuse Vigneault of handing out pills to players. He said his claim was about how the coach treats his players, which he says is unacceptable. Lehner called Vigneault a “dinosaur” in a tweet.

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