Report: Red Wings meet with Lehner

The Detroit Red Wings indicated they would use free agency to shore up their goaltending, and it appears Robin Lehner has been identified as a possible fit.

According to Craig Custance of The Athletic, Lehner met with the Red Wings on Tuesday as part of the discussion period that allows players to negotiate with clubs prior to free agency officially beginning on July 1.

Lehner became an unrestricted free agent after he failed to receive a qualifying offer from the Sabres. The 26-year-old spent the last three seasons with Buffalo, posting a 42-61-20 record over that time.

While Lehner was the starter in Buffalo, there are no assurances he'll find the same role in Detroit, given that veteran netminder Jimmy Howard is under contract for one more season. However, the possibility remains that the younger Lehner could step into the top job in the future should he sign a multi-year deal.

Custance adds that Detroit has also held discussions with free-agent goaltenders Carter Hutton and Jonathan Bernier. On Monday, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported that eight clubs have been in contact with Hutton.

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