Sergei Bobrovsky, the Toronto Maple Leafs' new $21 million goaltender, is being hailed as both a great netminder and a player who can elevate those around him. The 37-year-old, who signed with Toronto after seven seasons with the Florida Panthers, brings two Stanley Cup rings and a reputation for mentorship.
Bobrovsky's Impact on Teammates
In the broader canvas of the blue paint, the Maple Leafs hope Bobrovsky's influence extends to Anthony Stolarz, his former running mate with the Panthers, and rising young countryman Artur Akhtyamov, who could also factor in net during this longer 84-game season.
"Stolie and I had great relationships when we won the Cup that (2024) year," Bobrovsky said Friday in his first Zoom call with Toronto media from Florida. "We had a good bond, helped the team, worked together. He's an easy-going guy, fun to be around, to have jokes in practice or outside."
Stolarz has been semi-successful in his own gig here after splitting from Bobrovsky in the summer of 2024, while the latter went on to a second Cup. Stolarz, 32, took a leadership role, vocal at times in public for teammates to get moving, but hiccups in his own play and injuries limited his effectiveness.
What Shape Is Bobrovsky In?
Injuries have yet to slow the 37-year-old Bobrovsky's average of 50 games since 2019-20, but were there a need, Akhtyamov has earned a fast promotion. Holding the No. 1 job on the Marlies through five playoff series and the Calder Cup gave the Leafs confidence to trade those ahead of him on the depth chart, Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby, for assets.
In their last act with the Panthers, Bobrovsky played 58 games to Stolarz's 27 with save percentages of .915 and .925, respectively, before the Cats went with Bob exclusively on their Cup run. The Leafs don't have the same playoff chops and identity as Florida, at least until new general manager John Chayka and coach Jim Hiller get a better handle on a new-look roster.
Since Bobrovsky signed, there had been widely circulated video of an April 11 warmup before Panthers at Leafs, where Akhtyamov excitedly met him at centre ice, pumping him for information. Bobrovsky remembered their talk. "He seems like a nice guy, a big prospect and I'm excited to be part of his development," Bobrovsky said.
Bobrovsky's Departure from Florida
Bobrovsky was not a lock to leave Florida, telling reporters he had one foot on the beach until the team decided it could not retain him at $10 million US after seven years, trading for Jacob Markstrom. Bobrovsky's numbers dipped last year as the long playoff marches and long-term injuries took a toll.
"It's a business, I have nothing against that," Bobrovsky said, after starting Friday's remarks with expressions of gratitude to his previous employers. "It was an amazing journey. I love the game so much and as I go deeper, I love it even more. It's a blessing to be in the NHL and join this team. Toronto is the capital of hockey, fans are excited, there's going to be great atmosphere."
One where he can control the environment.
