A prominent goalie could be on the move ahead of Friday’s trade deadline.
Sportsnet says FAN Hockey Show On Wednesday, insider Elliotte Friedman said the Florida Panthers are likely to trade All-Star goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who is in the final year of a seven-year, $70 million contract.
“I think they’ll look at Bobrovsky’s market,” Friedman said. “I’ve heard it’s been difficult to sign him. The numbers he wants, or whatever he wants, is more than they’re willing to do at this point. So I think they’ll absolutely look at that.”
The two-time Stanley Cup champion signed a massive contract with the Panthers as a free agent in 2019 and has since backstopped and led the team to six straight postseason appearances, including three consecutive appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals.
But with the 37-year-old eyeing unrestricted free agency, the Panthers appear poised to sit 10 points out of the playoffs and miss the dance for the first time since 2019. That means they could be looking to regroup on the fly after a third straight extended season.
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“I think after the Olympics the Panthers wanted to give it one more try,” Friedman said. “They felt that if they took charge, they would not only take points away from the other two teams but also add to their own. I think they wanted to give themselves one last chance. There’s no shame in it. They’ve been to three successive cup finals and won two. They’ve just run out of steam.”
So if general manager Bill Zito wants to make a splash, Bobrovsky is clearly the most high-profile free agent at his disposal, even if the two-time Vezina winner is having a down year.
Through 43 games this season, Bobrovsky has a save percentage of .873, a goals-against average of 3.13 and has allowed three shutouts. This is a significant drop from his career save percentage of .912.
“He didn’t have a good year, but I would never doubt that guy, ever,” Friedman added. “I think he is a really great goalkeeper and I will take my chance with him.”
Friedman listed the Carolina Hurricanes and San Jose Sharks as potential landing spots for the netminder, but warned Wednesday that there will be no extension as part of the current deal.
“I’ve been around long enough to know that the conversation is happening and I think teams, players and agents generally know the market.”
