Panthers exploring trade market for goalie Sergei Bobrovsky

A distinguished goalie could possibly be on the transfer forward of Friday’s trade deadline.

Talking on Sportsnet’s The FAN Hockey Present on Wednesday, insider Elliotte Friedman stated that it is attainable the Florida Panthers deal away all-star goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who’s within the last 12 months of a seven-year, $70 million contract.

“I do assume they will take a look at the market for Bobrovsky,” Friedman reported. “I’ve heard it has been a problem to signal him, that the quantity he desires, or no matter he desires, is greater than they’re keen to do at this time limit. So, I do assume they are going to have a look at it, completely.”

The 2-time Stanley Cup champ signed his huge contract with the Panthers as a free agent in 2019 and has since backstopped his group to 6 straight post-season appearances, together with three straight within the Stanley Cup Closing.

However because the 37-year-old stares down unrestricted free company, the Panthers sit 10 factors out of a playoff spot and appear poised to overlook the dance for the primary time since 2019. Which means they could possibly be seeking to retool on the fly after three straight prolonged seasons.

“I do assume popping out of the Olympics, the Panthers wished to take yet another run,” Friedman stated. “They felt that in the event that they took a cost, they might not solely take factors away from a few these different groups, however they’d add themselves. I feel they wished to present themselves one final shot. There is no disgrace in it — they went to a few straight Cup Finals in a row, they gained two. They’re simply out of gasoline.”

So, if basic supervisor Invoice Zito wished to make a splash, Bobrovsky actually is probably the most high-profile pending free agent accessible at his disposal, even when the two-time Vezina winner is within the midst of a down 12 months.

By 43 video games this season, Bobrovsky has an .873 save share and a 3.13 goals-against common whereas recording three shutouts — a marked dip from his profession save share of .912.

“He hasn’t had a terrific 12 months, however I’d by no means doubt that man. By no means,” Friedman added. “I feel he is a hell of a goalie, and I’d take my probabilities with him.”

Friedman listed the Carolina Hurricanes and San Jose Sharks as potential touchdown spots for the netminder, however cautions that, as of Wednesday, there could be no extension as a part of the trade.

“I have been round lengthy sufficient to know that conversations occur, and I feel groups, and gamers, and brokers typically know the market.”