The NHL news cycle currently features plenty of Florida Panthers news, despite the recent trades involving the Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators, and San Jose Sharks. However, Insider Kevin Weekes made sure the Panthers remained a focal point in the news, mentioning on his X account that several teams are heavily interested in Sergei Bobrovsky.
👀 ⏳ The @FlaPanthers have just 1 week until July 1st to re-sign their future @HockeyHallFame 🔒 and back 2 back Stanley Cup Champ G Bobrovsky. Per sources, sharks are circling, not the @SanJoseSharks but @BuffaloSabres @MapleLeafs @LAKings + others#HockeyX pic.twitter.com/EHl63kaKSm
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 23, 2026
Besides the Sharks, a young up-and-coming team in the Western Conference led by Macklin Celebrini, it appears that another contending team in California may be interested in the two-time Stanley Cup winner, the Los Angeles Kings. Moreover, it appears that Panthers Atlantic Division rivals are inquiring about the soon-to-be 38-year-old, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and the reigning division champion Buffalo Sabres.
Per rumors last week from Sportsnet’s Nick Kyperos, Bobrovsky, who turns 38 in September, is seeking a six-year deal worth $42 million, which means he’d be 44 at the end of it. Recently, more rumors surfaced that Bobrovsky requested a three-year, $14 million-per-year deal. Unless he’s willing to take a hometown discount to remain with a Stanley Cup contender, it appears he’s headed for free agency.
Regarding the potential suitors Weekes mentioned in his tweet, the Kings have roughly $18 million in cap space, with Darcy Kuemper ($5.25 million) and Anton Forsberg ($2.25 million) on the books for the 2026-27 season. Up north, the Maple Leafs have roughly the same cap space with former Panthers netminder Anthony Stolarz on the books for the next four seasons at $3.75 million. He’s sharing the crease with Dennis Hildeby ($842k) and newly acquired RFA Samuel Ersson.
Meanwhile, the Sabres also have three goalies on their payroll, with just $11 million in cap space, including Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen ($4.75 million), Colton Ellis ($850k), and former Florida backstopper Alex Lyon at $1.5 million.
Interestingly, Weekes didn’t mention any teams that need a bona fide number one goalie, like the Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, or Pittsburgh Penguins. Moreover, Bobrovsky isn’t the only high-profile name making news, as Winnipeg Jets Hart Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck is potentially looking for a new home, just like former Panthers draft pick Jacob Markström.
NHL Free Agency is just a week away, and today, Florida does not have a high-profile puckstopper in their lineup. Whether it’s Bobrovsky, Hellebuyck, or a free agent like Stuart Skinner, General Manager Bill Zito will need to make a move to ensure their Stanley Cup contention in 2026-27 and beyond.
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