Robin Lehner announces he will not be taking part in the 2022 Winter Olympics

He was likely a lock to make Team Sweden, but Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner has announced he will not be going to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

"Have to address I will not go to the Olympics," said Lehner on his Twitter account. "I'm very disappointed and it tough decision for me as it's once in life time opportunity. Reality is that what have been said about how it's going to be is not ideal for my mental health."

"Took long time to make decision with my psychiatrist and family. My well being have too come first and being locked down and not knowing what happens if you test positive is to much of a risk for me," Lehner continued. "Sweden will have a great team and [Jacob] Markström is a beast. Hope people understand."

Lehner has spoken out before about the negative effects that lockdowns can have on mental health. The native of Gothenburg, Sweden was very upset during the 2020-21 shortened NHL season, stating he had been told if he got vaccinated that league rules imposed due to COVID would be relaxed. The NHL denied that.

You have to wonder if more NHL players might not follow suit. Yes, it's a dream for pretty much every professional hockey player to represent their country at the Olympic games. However, With COVID cases around the world back on the rise, the risk of getting ill and/or stuck in quarantine in Beijing is getting higher. The vast majority of NHLers who will be attending the games are superstars who will surely not want to miss any regular season games in the NHL unless they absolutely have to.

Took long time to make decision with my psychiatrist and family. My well being have too come first and being locked down and not knowing what happens if you test positive is to much of a risk for me. Sweden will have a great team and Markström is a beast.Hope people understand ❤️— Robin Lehner (@RobinLehner) December 6, 2021

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