The Golden Knights will pay Robin Lehner for the final year of his $25 million contract, but the goaltender will not count against Vegas’ salary cap, sources told ESPN.

The resolution was reached Thursday after lengthy discussions between the team, NHL and NHLPA. The 33-year-old Lehner is owed $4.4 million this season to complete a five-year contract.

Lehner did not report to training camp for a mandatory physical — which is required by the collective bargaining agreement for players on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) — but sources told ESPN there was a specific reason the goaltender couldn’t be in Vegas. , which the team, the league and the players association were all aware of. Given the sensitive nature of Lehner’s situation, league sources called it an “unprecedented and highly unique” case.

Reached by ESPN, Lehner said he would have no comment at this time.

Lehner last played an NHL game in April 2022. He underwent hip surgery that summer and then rehabilitated away from the team.

The Swedish-born goalkeeper has been an outspoken advocate for greater understanding of mental health in recent years. Lehner has opened up about his experiences with bipolar disorder, ADHD and PTSD, which led to substance abuse.

In 2019, he won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey.

NHL teams must be cap compliant at the start of the regular season, which begins this week. Had this resolution not been reached, the Golden Knights could have attempted to terminate Lehner’s contract or restarted the season using LTIR.