4 Free Agent Destinations For Sergei Bobrovsky

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 , , , ,
It's official. Two-time Stanley Cup champion netminder Sergei Bobrovsky will not be returning to the Florida Panthers. That was assured after the Cats completed a major trade for starting goalie Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.
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Bobrovsky had an awful year in 2025-26 in Florida, posting the worst numbers of his career. But the 37-year-old UFA certainly has built up enough of a resume to draw plenty of interest on the free agent market.

With that, let's have a look at four potential free agent destinations for Bob:

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leafs have been linked to their long-time nemesis for a few weeks now. Insider Nick Kypreos said on Sportsnet 590 today that "it's totally pointing in the direction of Bobrovsky coming to Toronto."

Kypreos adds that Bob is looking for somewhere north of $40 million on a new contract, spread out over a significant term. Something like six years at $7M per, suggests Kyper. Some would say that's somewhat insane for a 37-year-old goalie who was dreadful this past year.  

Additionally, there are more questions that signing Bobrovsky would leave in how the Leafs will handle their goaltending crew. 6'7" Youngster Dennis Hildeby was excellent in his 20-game trial with the Buds this past season, and he is no longer waiver-exempt. He can't be sent back down to the AHL without risking losing him. Then there's Anthony Stolarz, whose new four-year deal with a $3.75M AAV is only just starting next season. 

Edmonton Oilers

Here's another team that's been linked to Bob for a little while. And would be another one of those "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" type of moves. The Oilers goaltending situation is a disaster, and has been for years, more or less. This is a team, with a Cup-or-Bust attitude, that seems to make much more sense for Bobrovsky, and for the club.

San Jose Sharks

Jesse Granger wrote in The Athletic last week that the Sharks are the best landing spot for Bobrovsky. He could be a mentor for a young Russian protege in goal. 

"Yaroslav Askarov’s first full NHL season was a bit of a roller coaster, but he showed flashes of star potential. A tandem would allow Bobrovsky to stay fresh for what a blossoming San Jose team hopes to be its first playoff run in seven years, and the Sharks could use their exorbitant cap space to overpay the veteran in an attempt to keep the deal shorter," writes Granger.

"Bobrovsky could help a talented young team take the next step toward becoming a real playoff threat."

The Sharks have $50 million in cap space, so meeting his hefty contract demands wouldn't be a problem for them. 

New Jersey Devils

The Devils, of course, are now in need of a new starter between the pipes after trading Markstrom to be Bobrovsky's replacement in Florida. Bob automatically becomes a possibility for New Jersey, although there are no substantiated rumors as of yet that they are in on him. 

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