Islanders G Lehner noncommittal over next season return plans

Robin Lehner could be set to cash in on a gamble he made on himself in 2018. The New York Islanders goaltender is noncommittal about returning to the franchise next season and could benefit from testing free agency in the offseason. The 27-year-old isn't ruling out a return after he went 25-13-5 with a 2.13 goals-against average in 46 regular-season games.

"It's a little bit too much emotions right now," said Lehner after Carolina bounced the Islanders in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. "I really like everyone here. This group is incredible, some of the best people I've been around. I've been in the League for a while now. We'll see what God has in store for me." Lehner, a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, had a .930 save percentage and a career-best six shutouts.

Lehner is 97-110-40 in 265 games (248 starts) in parts of nine seasons with the Ottawa Senators (2010-15), Buffalo Sabres (2015-18) and Islanders.

(With inputs from agencies.)