Let The Sergei Bobrovsky Sweepstakes Begin: Best Fits In NHL Free Agency
The Florida Panthers' decision to trade for Jacob Markstrom on Tuesday essentially closed the door on any chance of them re-signing Sergei Bobrovsky.
With Akira Schmid and Markstrom making up the new Panthers tandem, Bobrovsky will test NHL free agency on Wednesday, searching for what will probably be his last high-paying contract in the league.
As the two-time Stanley Cup champion hits the open market, reporting from Chris Johnston suggests Bobrovsky had been pushing for a long-term deal, even though last season was rough for him statistically.
Are the Oilers About to Overbid on a Down-Trending Superstar Goalie?
As Sergei Bobrovsky hits free agency following a dismal season, Edmonton faces a high-stakes gamble. Will Stan Bowman overpay for a 37-year-old veteran whose best years are vanishing?
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are intriguing, if for no other reason than Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz have history. They won a championship together in Florida, and the Maple Leafs already have Stolarz under contract.
If the Leafs moved or demoted Dennis Hildeby, there's a world in which this works.
Slotting Bobrovsky in alongside a goalie he's already shared a crease with removes a lot of the chemistry risk that normally comes with adding a new starter, and Toronto has more financial breathing room than most of his other suitors this summer. They also know that Stolarz may not be capable of more than 30 to 35 starts. Bobrovsky would be the starter, without question.
The Pros And Cons Of The Maple Leafs Acquiring Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky This Off-Season
With the latest speculation regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, here are the pros and cons of potentially acquiring the veteran.
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings already have a goaltending tandem in Darcy Kuemper and Anton Forsberg, so adding Bobrovsky only works if one of them is moved first.
That's not far-fetched – both have value, and clearing a roster spot in net would let Los Angeles pursue an upgrade without simply stacking three goalies.
If the Kings wanted to trade Kuemper, there's no doubt the Oilers would be happy to have a conversation.
Ken Holland has been keen to take big swings, and Bobrovsky would qualify as one while the team tries to win a round for the first time since 2014.
In fact, Bobrovsky might get the most money from Los Angeles. That might be the end goal.
New Jersey Devils
After trading Markstrom, the New Jersey Devils now have the clearest need.
Their depth chart in goal is essentially just Jake Allen. Nico Daws is a pending RFA who hasn't broken through to the NHL yet.
That's about as wide-open a path to a starting job as Bobrovsky will find anywhere, and it wouldn't require New Jersey to make a corresponding trade just to create room.
The catch is that the Devils might be a decent playoff team, but they might not be. New Jersey has alternated between good and bad seasons for four years. They're not the safest bet if Bobrovsky wants to win the Stanley Cup once more.
Trading Jacob Markstrom Would Allow Devils To Chase Connor Hellebuyck, Sergei Bobrovsky
The New Jersey Devils are reportedly listening to offers for veteran goalie Jacob Markstrom. And while Markstrom hasn't been the problem in New Jersey, the chance for the Devils to shake things up between the pipes may be too tempting to pass up.
Which Of The Four Makes The Most Sense?
Of the four, Toronto stands out for fit and familiarity, while New Jersey offers the clearest opportunity.
Edmonton needs an answer in net but must jump a salary cap hurdle. Los Angeles has two proven NHL goalies.
Multiple reports have pointed to Toronto and Los Angeles as franchises with real interest as free agency opens. If the Kings make a trade first thing on Wednesday, expect them to get Bobrovsky.
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This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 4:21 PM.