NHL Report: Bobrovsky Contract Talks With Panthers Are 'Pretty Bad'

Florida Panthers goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky

Could Florida Panthers' legendary goalie Sergei Bobrovsky have played his last game for the team?

The veteran netminder is a pending unrestricted free agent at season's end, and while he wants to stay, it sounds like he and the team are definitely not on the same page contract-wise.

Bobrovsky saw the Cats hand out a six-year deal to a 37-year-old Brad Marchand last year to keep the defending Cup champs together, and it only figures that Goalie Bob, who is also 37, and has been around South Florida six-and-a-half years longer than Marchand, would expect the same treatment. But that doesn't appear to be the case, according to insider Greg Wyshynski, speaking on The Sheet with Jeff Marek.

I think the situation with Bob and Florida is pretty bad, from what I've heard. I've heard there is a significant gap between what he's looking for and what they're willing to give him. And I have a feeling that they're going to go in a different direction now. Which is kinda crazy, right?

Following that up, Jeff Marek wondered if there's a chance that, to replace Bobrovksy, the Panthers could bring in St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington.

"That's a really interesting call," replied a surprised Wyshynski. "If the Blues are moving on from him, that makes a lot of sense."

Two offseason landing spots make the most sense for UFA Bobrovsky

As for where Bobrovsky could land, Wyshynski suggested there is a specific situation in which he would be needed.

"His value as a free agent is to a team that will need him for the playoffs... A team that could use that sort of postseason 'Je ne sais quoi' versus having to rely on him during the regular season."

And of course, to that end, two teams undoubtedly come to mind: The Edmonton Oilers and the Carolina Hurricanes.

We'll see how the playoffs unfold for each of those two Cup contenders. If goaltending is once again an issue, we'll find out if they're willing to splurge in the summer for a 37-going-on-38-year-old two-time Stanley Cup winner.