Lehner excited for changes to mental health after calls with NHL, NHLPA
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner held a press conference Tuesday to explain why he took to Twitter to call out the league over various issues this past weekend.
Lehner scolded the NHLPA online for its mishandling of the Jack Eichel situation and then went after Philadelphia Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault, claiming the veteran bench boss has a history of mistreating his players.
"The last 72 hours have been incredibly difficult, but also incredibly valuable to me, to my career, to my life goals," Lehner said.
"I had a great talk with the NHL and the NHLPA over the last day. I'm excited for the potential change that can be made to protect the younger generation. This is something I've been advocating for for years, and I'm encouraged about the approach they want to take."
Lehner has long been outspoken about the value of mental health. He says his online exploits were a last resort to finally break down barriers and start making changes. Lehner added all future discussions between him and the league will occur behind closed doors.
"I'm always going to advocate for mental health, and advocate for this league," Lehner said.
"But moving forward, I'm looking to help in a more private matter. This weekend was a cry for help from this league, the league I love that has given me so much. But I'm just looking to protect the younger players. The only way to affect change, in my mind, is to do it in a non-public fashion."
Lehner was also adamant he didn't stir the pot online for attention.
"I'm not comfortable with this. I did it anyway," Lehner said. "I'm not comfortable doing any of this. It's extremely hard, especially, again, not to hide behind anything as a proud bipolar person. It's not easy, with a storm like this, and people think I just seek attention and stuff like that. I really don't. I really don't like it, it's not easy for me mentally. But I don't think I have to do that anymore."
Lehner, 30, is entering his 12th NHL campaign.
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