NHL rumors: Panthers at a ‘stalemate’ in Sergei Bobrovsky contract talks

The Florida Panthers took a massive step back this season, falling into the draft lottery after two consecutive Stanley Cups. It felt like a bridge year for their players to heal and reset after a lot of hard miles on their bodies, with most of their core signed long-term to make a couple more runs at a championship. However, with contract talks between the Panthers and Sergei Bobrovsky still ongoing, there could be a massive piece of the core not there for the 2026-27 season, according to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston.

“Bobrovsky has been seeking a long-term deal with the Florida Panthers following three straight trips to the Stanley Cup Final, and the sides now appear to be at a stalemate. While his numbers took a big dip last season, he’s a reasonable bet to play well into his 40s because of his exceptional level of conditioning. Bobrovsky is an athletic goaltender, particularly when it comes to lateral mobility, and he carries the added allure that comes with Cup credentials,” Johnston stated his free agency big board.

Bobrovsky could value staying with the team that brought him so much success over the past three seasons and eventually take a team-friendly deal. He just completed an eight-year, $80 million contract that looked like a heist on his part until the past three seasons, and some may argue that he owes it to the team to take a bit of a cut.

It doesn’t look like that is the case, and with not a whole lot of goaltending depth in the system, the Panthers might be on the lookout to make a big splash in the goalie market if Bobrovsky doesn’t return.

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