Lehner enjoyed a renaissance season for the Islanders with an NHL career-high 25 wins and six shutouts in 46 games (25-13-5) after signing a one-year contract July 4, 2018. He was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the goalie voted the best at his position, and won the Masterton Trophy, presented annually to the player voted to best exemplify the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
During training camp, Lehner revealed issues with addiction and a previously undiagnosed bipolar disorder. He went on to rank second in save percentage (.930) and third in GAA (2.13) among NHL goalies who played at least 10 games. Lehner, who turns 28 on July 24, and Thomas Greiss won the William M. Jennings Trophy, awarded to the goalies on the team that allowed the fewest goals (196, including five shootout winners) during the regular season.
Lehner started all eight playoff games for New York (4-4, 2.00 GAA, .936 save percentage). He's 97-110-40 with a 2.70 GAA, a .918 save percentage and 14 shutouts in 265 regular-season games (248 starts) with the Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators.
Possible landing spots: Hurricanes, Islanders, Blue Jackets, Panthers, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers