In perhaps the biggest surprise of free agency thus far, the Chicago Blackhawks have shockingly emerged as the victor for top available free agent goaltender Robin Lehner. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report that the two sides were closing in on a deal, before adding that the terms have been agreed to. An even bigger surprise than the match? The contract. It is just a one-year deal for Lehner at $5MM, despite rumors he had been seeking a five-year term.
Lehner, 27, went without a qualifying offer from the Buffalo Sabres a year ago and was a free agent without a clear destination. The Islanders brought him in on a one-year $1.5MM deal, which ended up being one of the biggest moments of his life. Very publicly, Lehner dealt with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder but was able to overcome his mental health issues to find some sort of balance in his life on and off the ice. For the Islanders, he performed like a Vezina-caliber netminder (he finished third in the voting) with a .930 save percentage through 46 appearances, and was awarded the Masterton Trophy for his perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. In a touching speech at the NHL awards, Lehner told the crowd “I’m not ashamed to say I’m mentally ill, but that doesn’t mean I’m mentally weak.”
At the end of the season Lehner made it clear that he was hoping to stay in New York, ready to re-sign with the Islanders if possible. On a conference call after signing with the Blackhawks however, he explained to those listening including team reporter Chris Kuc that “it not working out on Long Island had nothing to do with me” and that “we were still pretty much all-in with Long Island and they walked away, didn’t want to do anything.” New York’s loss is Chicago’s gain, as the Blackhawks will add a Vezina-caliber talent on just a one-year deal.
The question now becomes what happens to incumbent Corey Crawford and young Collin Delia. Crawford played just 39 games last season after returning from concussion issues and posted a .908 save percentage, but has one year remaining on his current contract that carries a $6MM cap hit. Delia too is on a one-way deal that pays him $1MM for the next three seasons, and looked to be pushing for a starting role in Chicago. The Blackhawks are sitting quite close to the salary cap after day one of free agent frenzy and likely have more moves up their sleeves.
What the
WOW islanders couldn’t do anything really i’m shocked.
So where does this leave Crawford?
if he is betting on himself, he’s probably going to lose.
So Crawford, Ward and now Lehner? Is Crawford OK?
It allows Crawford to start drinking and doing coke again…or get a “concussion”.
Great move signing a guy who had substance abuse problems in the past. Now we have a duo tandem of party animals as our goalies. Way to go Stanley
So once a drug addict always according to you?
Scott Darling did well for the Hawks and he had a past too (we won’t talk about him in Carolina!)…don’t be a hater little man, even though you live a perfect life!
The leprechaun doesnt understand any hockey move Bowman makes. He would rather they go into next year with a guy suffering from either concussions or vertigo and a goalie who lost his job in Carolina to Darling.
Ward won’t be back. He only signed for 1 yr.
Everyone thought Delia was a shoo-in for the #2 slot.
Thanks Cubs forgot that. still this move to me shows yhebconfidence they have in Crawford lasting more than 30 games
Sox- I think he’s still the no. 1 goalie. 1a and Lehner 1b. Crawford has a history of injuries and his contract is up after this coming season. Like Ward, I think Lehner is insurance but this time the defense has improved. We shall see.
Looking at the Hawks cap situation, it seems they really need to move out a Dman, not only so they can re-sign Perlini and another forward, but to make room for some of their young Dmen too.
The loss of Lehner will hurt the isles I bet. I bet hawks flip Crawford to another goalie starved team ie the Penguins
Ward is gone.
Did Matt Murray retire? We’re good.
And are these rumors about Crawford rumors or “rumors”? Never heard that talk about Crawford before.
your pathetic , leprechaun
Gee great idea trading Crawford. Except he has a No Movement contract. Duhhhh which way did he go, which way did he go?
Let’s see Sportrac said the Hawks had 17 million in Cap room. Bowman just spent like 23. Maybe it’s just math that befuddles him.
CapFriendly has them $1million+ under as of now and there’s a few more moves to come.
GoSoxGo,
Hopefully a Red Sox fan? Crawford is still signed and hopes to be the #1 however hes had concussion issues the last few years. This was a smart add to solidify some insurance.
That’s just dumb
In response to random comment guy
Bite me idiot
What does this mean for Scott Foster? Seems like he’s right in his prime.
Crawford has a modified no trade clause.
Get off the bad stuff L con