The goaltender admits to a hankering to play in Europe, yet says he would be happy to stay in Sheffield, without even seeking a pay-rise.

He believes Steelers' boss Dave Matsos wants to keep him - but respects the coach's right to have scouted a possible replacement in Christian Bronsard.

Speaking on an audio link on thestar.co.uk, the Canadian said: "There has been some interest in Europe, I'm not going to lie.

"Our heart is still in Sheffield at the moment but I am not sure – we've not made any final decisions. Nothing is out there on the table for us."

Lehman said it had not surprised him to learn that Steelers' management had been watching Bronsard two weeks before the Play Offs.

"I was at the point that the club knew I was looking at other places. I was totally up-front with them: I was going to look and see what was there in Europe.

"They had the right to go and look at a guy like that; he has been successful here in the past.

"It didn't bother me one bit. It's a business. They have got to cover their backs if I am going to leave."

Lehman, whose house is now up for sale, accepted it wasn't ideal to be looking for a potential new employer with the British Play Offs looming.

But because of the way clubs in countries like Germany organise early summer camps, he felt he had to make inquiries.

It was a distraction, though, he confessed.

"It's tough to stay focussed; the coach knows you are looking at different places. But I'm a little older and things don't bother me as much."

Praising Matsos and General Manager Mike O'Connor for their "excellent dealings" he added: "Don't be surprised if you see me in a Steelers jersey next year."

It would be a decision based on what was best for his family – not solely himself, or the club or its fans. And finances would play a part.

"I never got a big signing bonus, I never made millions of dollars, I never played in the American Hockey League; I didn't make much money in my first four or five years pro," he said.

"For me to go it's got to be a lot of money" (to go to Europe) he said before adding: "I really want to go and experience that side of things (European hockey) I have got friends playing over there I have got friends going there and I do want to give it a try.

"But we are going to have a good team here and there's a good chance we are going to be successful next year. That is also at the back of my mind."

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