Flyers coach Alain Vigneault has never been in charge of any of the teams which goaltender Robin Lehner has played for, but Lehner nevertheless has leveled some serious accusations agains Vigneault.
Lehner went to Twitter to state he believes Vigneault should be fired for giving out prescription drugs to employees.
The goaltender said the Flyers have a “dinosaur coach treating people like robots, not people. Send Vigneault back. I have proof. . .so attempt to get out of that one.’’
The Flyers responded with a statement from general manager Chuck Fletcher.
“The health and well-being of our players is our top priority, and any care provided to them comes from the team’s health care professionals, not the coaching staff,” Fletcher said. “We have no reason to believe any of our players have received improper care.”
Lehner’s motivation for the rant apparently started with his disapproval of the way the Buffalo Sabres have handled star player Jack Eichel’s neck injury. The team and the player have debated whether he should undergo surgery.
Lehrner, a two-time Jennings Trophy winner and the 2019 Masterton Trophy winner after returning from rehab, has been open about his struggles with addiction.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly on Sunday morning said the league intended to speak with Lehner about his tweets. The league did not initially have plans to launch an independent investigation until the conversation with Lehner happens.
Lehner also accused the Sabres of mismanaging an ankle injury when he played for them. The Sabres did not respond to a message seeking comment.
Lehner tweeted at the league and Players’ Association that they know how to reach him.
The 30-year-old Swede who plays for Vegas said the Golden Knights do not give players those drugs without doctor’s orders. He implied he’s prepared to share more information from around the league.
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