Austin Konenski
Sergei Bobrovsky is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 NHL season. With the Florida Panthers struggling with injuries, Bobrovsky was involved in NHL trade rumors, but he was never moved. However, what is the latest on the goaltender’s retirement plans and future with the Panthers?
Bobrovsky has made it clear that he is not retiring from the NHL and wants to stay with the Panthers, as reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. At 37 years old, it is fair to question the Florida goaltender’s future in the NHL.
After all, 40-year-old goaltender Jonathan Quick is set to retire from the league once the New York Rangers are done this season.
Why the Florida Panthers should bring back Sergei Bobrovsky
Bobrovsky has struggled during the 2025-26 NHL season with a career-low .887 save percentage and 3.07 goals allowed per game. The 37-year-old goaltender has allowed 10 goals in his last two games against the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins on 44 shots. Despite the regression in play, Florida should bring Bobrovsky back next season.
While Bobrovsky’s statistics haven’t been great, the goaltender is tied to the players that Florida puts on the ice every night. It has been a tough season for the Panthers, who have dealt with significant injuries to Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, and more.
The 40-year-old has been described as the “backbone” of the Panthers and the “biggest reason” why the organization has two Stanley Cup rings. Bobrovsky’s Florida teammates are fully in his corner. With a better team on the ice during the 2026-27 NHL season, Bobrovsky should have better overall statistics.
Daniil Tarasov, the backup goalie for Florida, has struggled as well with a .893 save percentage while allowing 3.12 goals per game. The statistics aren’t bad for a backup goaltender, but Bobrovsky is the proven option that can lead Florida to the Stanley Cup Playoffs next year.
With retirement not in the picture, the Panthers should bring back Bobrovsky with a new contract this summer.
Read More: Hurricanes Rumored to Have Interest in Panthers Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky
