Better Trade Option Available: No Wonder the Panthers Good With Bobrovsky Walking Away

The Florida Panthers have been known to give lucrative deals to big names as their careers wind down. Look no further than Brad Marchand, who signed a 35+ six-year extension that will take him well into his 40s. Few expect him to actually finish that contract, but the Panthers did it to keep the cap hit down and reward a long-time leader who helped them win a Stanley Cup.

One might think they’d be open to the idea of doing that with other players. But when it comes to Sergei Bobrovsky, the same principles don’t necessarily apply. Part of that is because of how the team feels about what Bobrovsky is worth. Part of it might be that they believe they’ll have another option.

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According to NHL insider Nick Kypreos, despite his age, Bobrovsky is seeking a very lucrative deal on his next contract. After making more than $100 million in his career, he wants to get paid again, or he’s willing to test the free agency market. Kypreos reports that it’s looking more and more like Bobrovsky might move on and the Panthers might look at other options.

“…they may have to start considering who his potential replacement might be if his extremely high demand on an extension doesn’t come down. There are some suggestions that his ask is as high as $42 million over six or seven years.”

Who Is The Option Florida Is Looking At?

That could explain why analysts have linked names like Connor Hellebuyck to the Panthers if the Jets’ starting goaltender asks for a trade. Florida can potentially have Hellebuyck or Bobrovsky. The first is 33 years old and has five years remaining on a deal that pays him $8.5 million per season. The second is 37, and he wants upwards of $7 million over a longer period of time.

The Panthers would have to pay handsomely to acquire Hellebuyck, but they’re in a position to win for the next three or four years with the core they still have. Hellebuyck badly wants to play for a contender, and he holds a full no-move clause. There will only be a handful of teams he’ll be open to joining and the Panthers will likely be among them.

Bobrovsky is also coming off a terrible season. There will be interest in his services, but it will be intriguing to see if any team offers him what he wants and if the Panthers aren’t the only team that thinks his ask is far too high.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Hurricanes, Maple Leafs’ Bet & Oilers