Flyers’ Alain Vigneault denies player’s drug claims

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Philadelphia Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault on Monday denied accusations he gave players drugs without doctor’s consent, as suggested in a series of social media posts by former player Robin Lehner.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, Lehner said he knew of “many” teams that give players sedatives and anxiolytics without a doctor’s prescription. He referred to the Flyers and Vigneault and claimed to have proof of that. Lehner currently plays for the Vegas Golden Knights.

“As for the other thing, pushing pills, I don’t need any other income,” Vigneault said Monday from Voorhees, NJ “I have no idea where this is coming from. don’t know what else to say. I have no idea. “

The NHL has reached out to Lehner to set up an interview on his claims. Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher said the team left health decisions to doctors, not coaches, and said the team had “no reason to believe that any of our players had received inappropriate care “.

Lehner also accused the Buffalo Sabers of mishandling an ankle injury when he played for them. His comments appeared to be related to the standoff between Buffalo and star forward Jack Eichel on how to treat a herniated disc. The Sabers did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Lehner said the Golden Knights do not give these drugs to players without a medical prescription. He hinted that he was ready to share more league information.

Lehner also criticized Vigneault’s coaching style, writing on Twitter: “A dinosaur trainer dealing with human robots, not humans. Shoot those dinosaurs. Shoot the first story of .vigneault.

Vigneault, 60, is entering his third season with the Flyers. Vigneault led the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks to the Stanley Cup Finals and won over 700 games as an NHL coach.

“I consider myself to be experienced. I would say that with experience you maybe become a dinosaur,” he said. “I know I’ve been coaching for a few years and I’m tough, I’m demanding. I care about the players. I’ve wanted their best over the years.

“Probably, there are guys who liked me, others a little less. But I did it with the best of intentions, with respect.”

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