FORT LAUDERDALE — Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is reportedly seeking a contract in the neighborhood of $42 million over six or seven years as negotiations with the club continue ahead of the July 1 free agency opening, according to Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet.
The ask would represent a significant commitment for a franchise already carrying major long-term deals. Bobrovsky is coming off a seven-year, $70 million contract he signed as a free agent in 2019 — the largest in Panthers history at the time. Captain Sasha Barkov later surpassed that figure with an eight-year, $80 million deal signed in 2021, making him the only Panthers player to reach an average annual salary of $10 million. Matthew Tkachuk ($9.5 million) and Sam Reinhart ($8.625 million) are the next closest.
General manager Bill Zito, coach Paul Maurice, multiple players, and Bobrovsky himself have all publicly stated they hope to reach an agreement before the market opens. But the Panthers are believed to be exploring alternatives and have been for some time, Florida Hockey Now reported. The club has been linked to St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington and Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner like Bobrovsky.
Binnington would be the simpler acquisition. He has one year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $6 million and is owed $4.5 million in real salary, per Puck Pedia. Hellebuyck presents a steeper price — he has five years remaining at a cap hit of $8.5 million, and the Panthers would likely need to move salary to accommodate such a trade. Although there have been rumblings Hellebuyck would like to play elsewhere, nothing concrete has been said.
The Panthers currently sit roughly $15.3 million under the $103.85 million salary cap but still need to sign two goalies, restricted free agent Mackie Samoskevich, and fill out the remainder of the roster — leaving limited room for a blockbuster goaltending commitment.
The NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26-27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, where the Panthers hold the ninth overall pick and seven picks total. Development camp follows in late June or early July at IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale, with rookie camp set for late August or early September, training camp in early to mid-September in Fort Lauderdale, and the 2026-27 season opening in late September.