Sergei Bobrovsky, shown tending the goal against the Maple Leafs during the 2025 postseason, left Florida to join Toronto as a free agent this week.John E. Sokolowski/Reuters
The biggest fish that the Toronto Maple Leafs reeled in during this week’s free-agent frenzy is thankful for the chance the team has given him.
Sergei Bobrovsky, who has twice been chosen the NHL’s most outstanding goalie, became available on Wednesday when the Florida Panthers traded for Jacob Markstrom.
“First of all, I am excited for the opportunity,” Bobrovsky said Friday during a video call with journalists. “I never thought I’d leave Florida, but things work out the way they work out. The organization decided to go in a different direction, and I respect that and have great appreciation for what they have done for me.
“It has been an amazing journey.”
The 37-year-old, who won two Stanley Cups with the Panthers, signed a three-year, US$21-million contract with Toronto. In June, the Maple Leafs traded netminder Joseph Woll and were left with the injury-riddled Anthony Stolarz as their lone experienced goalie.
“Sergei’s a real game changer for us in terms of the stability, the consistency, the durability,” general manager John Chayka said on Wednesday. “To be able to secure a player like that for a team that’s looking to break through, we feel like it was the right player at the right time.”
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Bobrovsky played 50 or more games in nine of the past 10 NHL seasons and has recorded more than 500 career victories in the regular season and playoffs combined. He had a dismal .877 save percentage in 2025-26 when Florida missed the playoffs.
“It was a tough season for our organization,” Bobrovsky said, referring to the Panthers. “It’s a tough league where every team has good players. Every season brings some challenges.”
Toronto missed the postseason for the first time in 10 years. The team has been very busy retooling if not rebuilding, with defenceman Darren Raddysh and forwards Jack Roslovic, Nick Paul and Colton Sissons among its acquisitions.
The team used the first pick in the NHL draft to select 18-year-old Gavin McKenna, who chose jersey No. 72 but has since volunteered to let Bobrovsky wear it. It is the number the goaltender has worn for most of his career.
The Leafs also announced the signing of McKenna to a three-year, entry-level deal on Friday.
Although he is closer to the end of his playing days, Bobrovsky was the club’s biggest get.
“I love the game so much,” Bobrovsky said. “It is a blessing to be a hockey player and to play in the NHL. And now I am coming to what I consider the capital of hockey.”