Florida Panthers Players Want Bobrovsky to Stay. Zito Says He Does, Too

TL;DR

Florida Panthers players express their desire for goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to remain with the team, and general manager Bill Zito shares his support for this decision following a positive meeting with Bobrovsky.

Key points

Florida Panthers players want Sergei Bobrovsky to stay
Bobrovsky's contract is expiring
Bill Zito had a positive meeting with Bobrovsky
Rumors of Bobrovsky being traded persist

Mentioned in this story

Florida PanthersBill Zito

Mark Alberti-Imagn Images

FORT LAUDERDALE — The biggest pending free agent for the Florida Panthers this summer is goalie Sergei Bobrovsky whose monster seven-year, $70 million contract signed in 2019 is over.

There were rumors floating around at the NHL Trade Deadline that Bill Zito was trying to move his two-time Stanley Cup champion netminder, and rumors continue to circulate that Bobrovsky and the Panthers are far apart when it comes to a new deal.

Thursday, Zito said he had a “great meeting with Bob yesterday.’’

So, perhaps there is a lot more smoke here than fire.

The Panthers certainly hope so.

Bobrovsky did not meet the media on Thursday’s closeout day but has said that he loves his teammates, the Panthers, South Florida, everything, really.

His teammates love him as well.

”Everyone,’’ captain Sasha Barkov said, “wants him to stay.’’

After Bobrovsky made 28 saves in Florida’s 3-1 win at Detroit hours after the trade deadline passed, Matthew Tkachuk came out and said he would do everything in his power to help keep Bobrovsky with the Panthers.

FHN: Has Bobrovsky Played His Final Game with the Panthers?

He said he would “wine-and-dine” Bobrovsky as well as go and talk to general manager Bill Zito about the situation.

Q&A

Why do Florida Panthers players want Sergei Bobrovsky to stay?

Florida Panthers players believe in Bobrovsky's abilities and contributions to the team's success, especially given his experience as a two-time Stanley Cup champion.

What is Sergei Bobrovsky's current contract situation with the Panthers?

Sergei Bobrovsky's seven-year, $70 million contract is expiring, making him a key pending free agent for the Florida Panthers.

What did Bill Zito say about his meeting with Bobrovsky?

Bill Zito described his recent meeting with Bobrovsky as 'great,' indicating a positive dialogue regarding the goalie's future with the team.

Are there rumors about Sergei Bobrovsky being traded?

Yes, there were rumors at the NHL Trade Deadline about Bill Zito attempting to trade Bobrovsky, and speculation continues about the negotiations for a new contract.