Neither answers my question- why didn't Vegas just let Lehner not report, leave it in the league's hands, and happily keep him on LTIR if it doesn't benefit them? Hint: it does.
What the f*** are you talking about?
The physical is a requirement of LTIR, the league will not and cannot approve it without a physical.
No physical = No LTIR
So Vegas had 3 options...
- Do nothing and be over the cap (not really an option)
- Suspend Lehner w/o pay
- Terminate the Contract
And both options 2 and 3 lead to the NHLPA fighting it and trying to get him money, and making a public stance about him not reporting due to mental health concerns.
Does Vegas benefit? Sure, but they were going to win if the NHLPA filed a grievance so while they're benefiting, they're also paying 4.5m that they likely wouldn't have had to pay if they were willing to deal with the grievance and all the bullshit that comes with it.