On Wednesday, Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner called out the NHL, saying the league did not stay true to previous promises regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. Lehner claims the league has told players that if they are vaccinated, the restrictions will be weakened, but says this has not been the case yet.
Lehner says the NHL forced the players to get the coronavirus vaccine and they were misled by what changes would be made if they agreed.
Following Lehner’s comments, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN that no such promises had been made to the league’s players.
“It was a matter that was addressed and discussed between us and the NHLPA, but it has never been decided to adjust it and also not communicated to anyone,” Daly told ESPN.
The NHL Players Association said the 2021 season was tough and that they needed to change COVID-19 protocols. The league maintains its position that there was never a direct link between vaccine relaxation and protocols.
Lehner claims that although NHL players are vaccinated, they are still treated as if they were “trapped in a prison.”
The Golden Knights goalkeeper added concern about what the restrictions on mental health could mean, saying if someone with a bipolar diagnosis is isolated, something he has been told not to do. Lehner says the league chooses a competitive advantage over treating players.
Lehner said:
“At some point, we need to start looking at the mental health of people around us, not just the NHL, but everyone in society, and see how we can start to become normal again, because the problem is going to be big. for us lie about things that change, that force us to take the vaccine. Unacceptable. And now that we’re using the vaccine to have the excuse to say, ‘No, we’re not changing for competitive advantage.’ This is outrageous. ‘
He went on to say: ‘They told me yesterday that they are investigating all the teams to see who took the vaccine and who did not take the vaccines, and that they will first change the rules for us as players the players have at the same time the vaccine, so it is not a competitive advantage. ‘
Lehner said the latest news had ‘made him crazy’. He clarified some of his comments on Twitter and still stressed the importance of mental health.
In February, the league sent a memorandum to those in the league, including coaches and staff, saying they would “stay home and not leave except to attend exercises or games or perform essential activities.” They also said that families of the players should limit time outside the home for less chance of exposure.