The Rise and Fall of Robin Lehner: From NHL Star to Bankruptcy Struggles
Robin Lehner, once a prominent goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights, recently opened up about his ongoing financial difficulties, reflecting on his tumultuous career during an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The discussion comes in the wake of a dramatic fall from grace for the player, who, during the 2021-22 NHL season, logged impressive statistics including 44 games started, 23 wins, a goals against average of 2.83, and a save percentage of .907.
The Rise of a Goaltending Star
In 2020, Lehner seemed to be on a path to success when he signed a five-year, $25 million contract extension with the Golden Knights. At that time, the franchise was not only on the rise, but also gearing up for a successful run in the league. Lehner’s contributions as a reliable goaltender positioned him as a key player in a contending team, which would ultimately win the Stanley Cup in 2023—a season he did not participate in.
Personal Struggles and Seeking Help
However, behind the scenes, Lehner was grappling with significant personal battles. In 2018, he came forward about his struggles with bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction issues, a revelation he shared in a candid piece for The Athletic. His decision to seek help was met with acknowledgment within the league; in 2019, he was awarded the NHL’s prestigious Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which honors players who exemplify perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport of hockey.
Filing for Bankruptcy
Lehner’s financial troubles became public when, in September 2022, he and his wife filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Reports from the Las Vegas Review-Journal indicate that a federal bankruptcy court has since granted an injunction to freeze Lehner’s assets. The bankruptcy filings revealed claims by creditors, notably the Aliya Growth Fund, alleging that the couple was mismanaging their finances. They expressed fears about recovering $4.8 million owed to them amid allegations that Lehner was transferring funds to shell companies linked to Dubai.
The Costs of a Lavish Lifestyle
Court documents have painted a troubling picture of Lehner’s financial situation, citing claims of extravagant spending habits. Allegations suggest that after declaring bankruptcy, Lehner reportedly spent $1.5 million in 2022 on vacations, gambling, and luxury items. Such expenditures have raised eyebrows, leading creditors to question whether they would receive payment on the debts owed.
In his interview with the Review-Journal, Lehner defended himself against the negative portrayal of his actions during this tumultuous period. ‘I don’t need sympathy or anything; screw that,” he stated. “Bring up something that’s true and I can take it like a man. But everything is fake. No one has any idea what has happened to my family and my life after a lot of these things.”
A Cloudy Future
As of late 2024, Lehner admits to being $27.5 million in debt but remains uncertain about the status of his hockey career. The National Hockey League Players’ Association and the NHL recently reached an agreement that allows Lehner’s salary not to be counted against the Vegas Golden Knights’ salary cap, providing some financial relief and potential for future involvement in the league.
Lehner’s story resonates as a complex narrative of triumph and personal struggle, shedding light on the often unseen difficulties athletes may face behind their public personas. As he navigates this challenging chapter, both fans and the hockey community continue to watch closely.