Report: Maple Leafs making contract offer to Sergei Bobrovsky
David Pagnotta: Right now it sounds like from the Sergei Bobrovsky side of things, a lot of talk...over the course of the draft was that Toronto might be the ultimate setting when all is said and done - Hello Hockey (6/27)
Bobrovsky turns 38 before the start of next season and is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career. Yes, the Florida Panthers were banged up all season long, playing shorthanded multiple times, but Bobrovsky struggled, and it's hard to ignore. The Russian netminder went 27-23-1 last season, with a 3.07 goals against average, and .877 save percentage.
The Maple Leafs have Bobrovsky's old running mate in Anthony Stolarz under contract for the foreseeable future, and Bobrovsky is very close with Steven Lorentz, who used to be his practice buddy in Florida during one of their Cup runs. There would be a couple of a familiar faces waiting in Toronto to welcome Bobrovsky to the Buds.
A couple of things to consider here is the facts Bobrovsky is looking for a long-term contract and wants to play into his early 40's, and the Leafs have goaltending depth with two young talents waiting in the wings for NHL starts after winning a Calder Cup in the American Hockey League together. Artur Akhtyamov and Dennis Hildeby both appear to be factoring in to any goalie decisions made this summer.
If the Leafs don't sign Bobrovsky, don't be surprised to the LA Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Edmonton Oilers have interest in the future hall-of-famer.
