The Florida Panthers have had a tough season despite coming in as two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. Sitting at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and riding a three-game losing streak, their playoff hopes are starting to fade.
With that reality setting in, the Panthers may need to reconsider their approach at the trade deadline, and a former NHL agent is now weighing in on the future of Sergei Bobrovsky.
Concerns Surrounding Panthers Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky
Sergei Bobrovsky is in the final year of his seven-year, $70 million contract and holds a 16-team no-trade clause. If he and the Florida Panthers don’t agree on an extension before the summer, the veteran goaltender will become an unrestricted free agent.
There’s no question about his impact on the franchise. Bobrovsky played a major role in leading Florida to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles, cementing his place among the team’s most important players.
However, this season has told a different story. Through 43 games, Bobrovsky has posted a .873 SV% and a 3.13 GAA. Numbers well below the level fans have come to expect from him.
His recent performances have only heightened concern. In his latest start, Bobrovsky allowed three goals against the New Jersey Devils. And in the game before that, he surrendered five goals against the New York Islanders. Since returning from the Olympic break, he has gone 1-2-0 in three starts.
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With the Panthers struggling in the standings, the organization has reportedly begun listening to offers on several pending unrestricted free agents. Bobrovsky’s name is among the most notable.
Former NHL player, agent, and current analyst Brian Lawton recently shared insight into the situation.
“Word out of Florida in regard to the @FlaPanthers impending 37 year old UFA Sergei Bobrosky’s camp is described as a big difference of opinion on term and comp. He has played 43 games and has a 3.13 gaa and and an 873%. @NHL Don’t see that one getting solved anytime soon,” Lawton wrote on X.
With Bobrovsky now 37 and on a no-trade list, any potential deal could become complicated.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman echoed similar concerns, saying, “If heard it’s been a challenge to sign him; the number he wants…is more than they’re willing to do at this point in time; I do think they’re gonna look at it, absolutely.”
If the two sides cannot bridge the gap on a new contract, a trade could become a realistic option.
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For now, the situation is still up in the air. The Florida Panthers will next take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.
