Buffalo Sabres Robin Lehner Undergoes Surgery – Now What?

The Buffalo Sabres will be relying on the services of Chad Johnson and possibly even newly-signed Jason Kasdorf for the remainder of the 2015-16 NHL season, as starting goaltender Robin Lehner has undergone season-ending surgery.

The Sabres announced the surgery Wednesday afternoon:

It sounds like the surgery on Lehner’s ankle went well, so we here at Sabre Noise wish him a safe, speedy recovery.

Now, let’s talk!

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With only five games remaining on the schedule, I would like to see the Buffalo Sabres roll out Kasdorf, just like the team has committed to giving Hudson Fasching and Casey Nelson solid minutes.  The team appears to be committed to Lehner being the starting goaltender for the time being – not, you don’t have to agree with that assessment! – but beyond that, there are plenty of questions regarding who else will be minding the net for this team in 2016-17.  Kasdorf has the size and the tools to become a solid goalie in the NHL  If he has healed from the groin injury that has plagued him since he signed with the Sabres, it would be nice to see what he has to offer, even though he will most likely begin next season with the Rochester Americans.

Of course, if Kasdorf is still gimpy, I would expect to see Nathan Lieuwen see some action.  Lieuwen has become something of a forgotten man in the 716, although he does lead the Americans in appearances (26), wins (14) and goals-against average (2.86).  With Johnson set to become a UFA on July 1, Lieuwen should be allowed to get a few NHL games in under his belt, especially since it appears as if the Amerks will not be qualifying for the Calder Cup playoffs this season.

Next: Sabres Are Still 20 Minutes Away From Being Solid

Goaltending is a major question mark the Buffalo Sabres need to address heading into this offseason.  Based on what they had to give up in order to get Lehner – and let’s be honest: he has been injured enough this season that Sabres fans have not seen what he truly can do – it’s safe to assume he will be the starter heading into 2016-17.  After that, though, the goaltending situation is less clear, and it’s still not even certain whether Lehner will be the starter once this team begins to contend for a playoff spot.  At the very least, Lehner’s surgery should give a few aspiring goalies the chance to audition for a spot on next season’s roster.