Apr 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins before the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Alberti-Imagn Images
Apr 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins before the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Alberti-Imagn Images
While the 2026-27 season would see goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky hit the ice in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey instead of a Florida Panthers’ one, the move didn’t come by easy means.
Bobrovsky's departure from the Panthers after 7 years and 2 Stanley Cups stunned the hockey world. But although his presence mattered, The Athletic’s senior writer James Mirtle said the reason was Florida’s shaky faith in Bobrovsky.
“Sergei Bobrovsky signing/Maple Leafs: I was told that Panthers aren't sure that Bobrovsky still has it; the Panthers were not gonna go above two years,” Mirtle said on a July 2 episode of JD Bunkis Podcast, according to NHL Rumour Report’s X post.
According to Miami Herald’s writer Jordan McPherson, Bobrovsky was looking for a $40M deal with the Panthers. But a short deal with their limited cap space would’ve restricted the Panthers other roster moves, and a lengthy deal would’ve kept Bobrovsky, 37, with the team through his 40s.
Panthers’ GM Bill Zito pivoted by acquiring Vegas Golden Knights’ Akira Schmid and New Jersey Devils’ Jacob Markstrom. The goal is to make this goalie tandem work with Schmid and Markstrom.
This led Bobrovsky to seek a home elsewhere, and Toronto was the place. However, the goalie doesn’t hold any bitter feelings for the Panthers.
Sergei Bobrovsky Praises Panthers Despite Departure
The Russian has signed a three-year contract with the Leafs that carries an annual cap hit of $7 million. While a departure from Florida is naturally upsetting, the soon-to-be 38-year-old netminder only had appreciation.
“It’s a business,” Bobrovsky said Friday, per the same article by McPherson. “That’s hockey, and they’re responsible for their part… In my position, I just want to keep only the appreciation and thanks for everything they have done for me. It’s been an amazing journey for me.”
It could've been easy to say the Panthers were pivoting around a young core; had they not acquired the 36-year-old Markstrom, the narrative would hold. But whatever they are planning to do, Bobrovsky has moved to the next chapter with a positive outlook.
How do you think his performance will be with the Leafs? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy