In the next few months, every Florida fan will decide what they think about Sergei Bobrovsky’s new status: Panther no more, or once a Panther, always a Panther? After seven beautiful seasons, three Stanley Cup finals, two trophies, and countless pieces of merchandise that say BOB, the Florida Panthers franchise is moving on.
The Russian-born netminder recorded a .903 SV% and a 2.80 GAA in 349 regular-season games with the Cats. He earned 27 wins last season, but it was enough to become seventh all-time in NHL history in career wins. He leads all active goaltenders in that rank. Another milestone is 61 career playoff wins. It’s the second-best among all active goalies. Bobrovsky’s countryman, Andrei Vasilevskiy, leads the category with 70 career wins. Broward County is where Bob and his family celebrated his 800th NHL career game. While his work ethic and achievements were outstanding, Florida seemed to be a good fit for Bobrovsky.
After much speculation, trade rumors dating back to March, new contract expectations, and a few major moves, Sergei Bobrovsky officially became a free agent for a few hours before signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He will earn $21 million over the next three years.
Ex-Panthers in Toronto
On one side, he joins his former partner, Anthony Stolarz, and a defenseman, Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The trio won the Stanley Cup together in 2024. On the other hand, the Canadian sports media differ in how they approach everything. It’s something Bobrovsky will have to get used to. And he already got a taste from the previous playoff finals.
Bobrovsky is a focused and highly responsible professional. He takes his craft seriously and knows when to work above anyone’s expectations and when to chill. When he is at work, he doesn’t allow any distractions, and social media pranks aren’t on his menu. He doesn’t care who the main “rat” in the NHL is or what TV personalities joke about. But as a member of one of the most scrutinized teams in the league, he will have to face new media challenges. In the Sunshine State, he was just loved and accepted. In Toronto, he will have to explain why he allowed a goal.
Also, it’s worth noting that Toronto's tax burden is much higher than Florida's. A Maple Leafs player pays Ontario tax on home contests and U.S. state taxes when playing away games in the U.S. A Panthers player avoids Florida income tax at home, but still owes taxes when on the road in other North American cities. So, there must be some non-financial reason for Bobrovsky to join a Canadian club.
Backup Change
Another former Panther, Daniil Tarasov, stayed in South Florida for only one season, so the fans didn’t have enough time to get attached to him. Tarasov signed a one-year deal with an average annual value of $2 million with the Detroit Red Wings.
And just like that, a new era in South Florida hockey starts….Will we see Bobrovsky jerseys at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise? Most definitely. Will a new Panthers starter face comparison and be in Bob’s shadow? Surely.....
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