Yesterday, the Buffalo Sabres announced that goaltender Robin Lehner has signed a one-year extension worth $4 million.
Both the team and Lehner, an RFA, avoid arbitration thanks to this deal, which is quite clearly a “prove it” contract designed for Lehner to either step his game up and show he’s deserving of a big, long-term contract, or a chance for the team to see if he’s worth investing in, and, failing that, give heir apparent Linus Ullmark another year of seasoning as the starter in Rochester.
This is the best case scenario for the Sabres and GM Jason Botterill, as it gives them one more chance to see if Lehner is worth the investment that some other previous GM made in him, at minimum risk and a favorable term.