Alain Vigneault reacts to Robin Lehner's comments

Philadelphia Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Flyers coach Alain Vigneault reacts to Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner's comments

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 10/4/21

It has been a weird couple of days for the NHL thanks to Vegas Golden Knights netminder Robin Lehner going on a Twitter rampage alleging coaches of pushing pills onto players without prescriptions, singling out Philadelphia Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault as a culprit.

Vigneault chose to address the issue in his Monday press conference, expressing his disappointment in being accused of giving players meds.

"As far as me pushing pills, I don't need another income," Vigneault said, via ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "I have no idea where that comes from. I don't know what else to say. I have no idea."

#PhiladelphiaFlyers ? Dinosaur coach treating people robots not human. Fire these dinosaurs. Fire #vigneault first story. I got proof.. try to shake your way out of this one ….
— Robin Lehner (@RobinLehner) October 3, 2021

Lehner's long thread of tweets was initially posted in response to the ongoing debacle between the Buffalo Sabres and Lehner's former teammate Jack Eichel. It is unclear why Lehner singled out Vigneault and the Flyers given he has never played for Vigneault or played for Philadelphia. His new teammate, Nolan Patrick — who was drafted second overall by the Flyers in 2017 — did play for Vigneault the past two seasons.

"I don't know the young man," Vigneault said. "I am tough. I am demanding. But I care about my players. I want their best. Through the years, some guys have liked me and some guys a little bit less. But I've done it with the best intentions, with respect."

Lehner attempted to clarify his comments to ESPN's Emily Kaplan on Monday, saying he was simply stating he doesn't like how Vigneault treats his players.

Robin Lehner clarifies: he never was accusing Alain Vigneault of distributing pills to players. His claim was about the way the coach treats players, which he believes is unacceptable.

Lehner had a good call with the NHLPA yesterday. We’ll see what comes of the story this week.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) October 4, 2021

Lehner was part of the Sabres organization for three seasons and made stops in New York and Chicago before spending the last two seasons with Vegas. It isn't clear yet how Lehner's comments will be addressed within the Knights organization, although GM Kelly McCrimmon said he has been in contact with the disgruntled goalie.

Kelly McCrimmon says he’s spoken with Robin Lehner several times over the last couple days. He also spoke with the league, and Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher.

McCrimmon said Lehner is very passionate about players health issues.
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) October 4, 2021

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