There have been plenty of questions surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs’ signing of Sergei Bobrovsky. In particular, numerous questions have focused on why the Florida Panthers would let their two-time Stanley Cup-winning goalie walk away for nothing.
In a recent article, RG Media’s Daria Tuboltseva reported that the Panthers let Bobrovsky walk because the two sides couldn’t agree on no-trade protection. Essentially, “Bob” wanted a full no-trade clause, while Florida was only willing to offer a partial one.
That situation has spurred speculation about Bobrovsky being too old and the Panthers knowing that he’s finished. This conversation between Bryan Hayes and Dave Feschuk sheds light on the matter facing the Maple Leafs.
The bottom line, however, is that the Panthers do know something that Maple Leafs fans don’t: Florida has accepted its fate that it is no longer a competitive club. Last year’s down season wasn’t an aberration for the Panthers. It was a clear indication that their competitive window was over. After all, why would the Panthers let Bobrovsky go if he’s clearly much better than Jacob Markstrom? And why would the no-trade clause get in the way?
That’s the key to this entire situation for Maple Leafs fans.
Panthers Didn’t Want to Lock Up Bobrovsky Because They Know Sell-Off Is Coming
In short, the Panthers are done as Stanley Cup contenders. Yes, they still have Sasha Barkov, the Tkachuk brothers, and Seth Jones. But when looking at their overall aging core, the Panthers may no longer have the wherewithal to go the distance.
After all, just how much could Markstrom carry the Panthers? Could Akira Schmid come in and save the day?
Anyone watching the Panthers during their Stanley Cup runs of 2023 to 2025 knows that Bobrovsky was the backbone of the entire organization. He bought them enough time to score goals, especially during tight games.
It was the now-Maple Leafs starting netminder who shut down the Edmonton Oilers in those back-to-back finals.
Will the Panthers be good enough to overcome Markstrom’s subpar performances? The New Jersey Devils certainly weren’t last season. And so, the Panthers are clearly declining. The more they decline, they’ll have to face the inevitable fate of a sell-off and rebuild.
And, well, Bobrovsky’s no-trade clause would certainly get in the way.
What to read next:
Maple Leafs Took Advantage of the Panthers’ Situation
All told, the Maple Leafs took advantage of the Panthers’ situation. If Florida were serious about competing, it would have made a bigger splash by landing a high-end goalie like Connor Hellebuyck. If Hellebuyck was just too much for them, surely other netminders out there would have provided more than a 3.07 GAA and an .833 GAA.
Yes, for Markstrom, it’s a homecoming. He was a second-round pick of Florida’s in 2008. But he also has a $6 million cap hit and partial no-trade protection. In other words, when the Panthers’ sell-off comes, the club will be able to dump him on someone else if needed. Plus, he’s on the books for just two seasons.
Just enough time to see if the Cats really have anything left in the tank. That’s why the Maple Leafs need to move in for the kill now and show that the Panthers are finished.
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