‘The capital of hockey’: Leafs’ Bobrovsky ‘excited’ about the chance to play in Toronto
One of the top netminders in the NHL is ready for the opportunity to play in one of the biggest markets in hockey.
When speaking to the media on Friday, new Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stated how elated he is to be donning the blue and white next season.
Bobrovsky: It's a blessing to play this game. Toronto, it's the capital of hockey. I'm excited about that. It's a big responsibility and I'm happy to help this team win.
“It’s a blessing to play this game,” Bobrovsky said. “Toronto, it’s the capital of hockey. I’m excited about that. It’s a big responsibility and I’m happy to help this team win.”
The Maple Leafs made headlines on the opening day of free agency, signing Bobrovsky to a three-year contract, with an AAV of $7 million. Toronto was able to get the Vezina Trophy winner from the Florida Panthers, just two years removed from helping the team win back-to-back Stanley Cups.
Bobrovsky admitted he figured they would be able to work things out in Florida, but he is glad the Leafs are giving him a chance to play for an Original Six team.
“I’m excited for the opportunity. To be honest, I thought I’d stay in Florida. The Leafs put their trust in me, their belief, and they gave me a good opportunity to join a historical, legendary team.”
Bobrovsky was sure to thank the Panthers for “an amazing” seven seasons with the team, which saw the veteran backstop the squad to the final three years in a row, beating the Leafs twice en route to the championship series.
“I love the game so much. It’s been a fun process for me, and as I go deeper, I love it even more. In Florida, they had so many people around to help me develop. Medical staff, physical staff. As you get older, you appreciate every day more and more.”
It’ll be a nice reunion for Bobrovsky, as he’ll join Anthony Stolarz in Toronto. Stolarz backed up the former in the Cats’ first Stanley Cup run in 2024 before signing with the Leafs.
“He’s an easy-going guy. He’s just a nice person.”
Even at 37, Bobrovsky is considered by many to be one of the best netminders in the league. While his play dipped behind a beaten and fatigued Panthers team last year, he has the tools and condition to lead the Leafs back to the postseason after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.
In his 16-year NHL career, Bobrovsky has a record of 456-266-58, with a 2.61 goals-against average, a .912 save percentage and 53 shutouts. He’s 61-50 in the playoffs, with a 2.71 GAA, a .907 SV% and six shutouts. Along with winning two Cups, he has taken home the Vezina in 2013 and 2017.