Buffalo Sabres: Is Robin Lehner the Long-term Answer in Goal?

Robin Lehner has the talent, but is he capable of staying healthy and showing the consistency needed to be the Buffalo Sabres’ main man between the pipes?

Whether Robin Lehner likes it or not, the jury’s still out on him. For every person who has high hopes for him, there is someone who’s not convinced he’s the answer between the pipes for the Buffalo Sabres.

On the plus side, there’s no denying Lehner has the attributes you look for in franchise goalie. With his combination of size and quickness, he is a talented goaltender with some upside.

However, any potential is partly compromised by the 25-year old’s penchant for getting flustered in high-pressure situations. Just as important, he has yet to show he has the durability required to be a long-term solution between the pipes.

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These positives and negatives were both on display last season for Lehner. When he played, he posted some impressive numbers for the Sabres, with a 2.47 goals against average and a .924 save percentage.

However, the issue with this was the 2009 second round draft pick only made 21 starts. He was limited by injuries throughout the campaign and eventually had to undergo season-ending ankle surgery.

When Lehner recently pulled out of the World Cup, Sabres fans were understandably concerned that he had suffered a setback in his recovery. However, this was more down to his concentrating on being healthy for the start of the 2016-17 season.

In that respect, the Gothenburg, Sweden native skated for the first time with his teammates on Monday. He has lost some weight and, more importantly, feels no pain in his ankle.

Speaking to WGR550‘s Paul Hamilton and the rest of the media, Lehner said: “I feel really good, I feel really fast. I’m 100 percent, I have no problem, I don’t feel my foot off ice, on ice.”

Another aspect helping the former Ottawa Senator is a change in his philosophy: “I’ve lost a decent amount of weight and made some life changes.

“I haven’t always gone in a straight line, but I’ve made the changes and I feel good. Just move forward in a healthy direction.”

Although still young, Lehner’s new outlook is probably overdue, after being limited to just 97 starts during his first six seasons in the NHL. Moving forward, the Sabres hope this means he can stay fit and spend more time on the ice.

In that respect, it helps that the 2011 Calder Cup playoffs MVP is embracing life in Western New York, after spending the summer here: “I’m very excited with what they’re building here in this city.

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“In one year I feel good here, I like the city, I like the people here in Buffalo. They’re relaxed, laid back kind of people and I want to stay here.”

Due to become a restricted free agent after the upcoming season, it’s in Lehner’s control to ensure his long-term future in Buffalo. Fans can take solace in the fact he seems to understand what’s at stake for both him and the team.

The Swedish international said: “We have a very important season ahead of us, I think we believe in each other and I need to be here more than I need to be there and around my guys getting ready for the season.”

Overall, it remains to be seen if Lehner has what it takes to remain healthy and consistently perform in net for the Sabres. At least we’ll find out soon enough, with opening night just one month away.

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What’s your take on Lehner? Do you see him as the Sabres long-term answer in net, or do you still need convincing? Let us know in the comments section below.