Leading up to the deadline, it was believed that the Florida Panthers were shopping pending unrestricted free agents Sergei Bobrovsky and A.J. Greer. Ultimately, neither player was moved, and the Panthers appear intent on keeping them in Sunrise for a while longer.
According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, Florida is focused on signing Bobrovsky to an extension. LeBrun later added that the same is true for Greer. Both should be doable since the Panthers will have roughly $15MM in cap space this summer with all of their core retained. The only hangup could be Mackie Samoskevich‘s next contract, as he will become a restricted free agent in a few months.
It’s not entirely known what Bobrovsky’s asking price is for his next contract, but it’ll certainly be lower than his current $10MM AAV. Furthermore, he’s on the wrong side of 30 and will be coming off the worst season of his professional career.
Granted, Bobrovsky has backstopped Florida to three consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Final and has won the last two. Still, this season, he has managed a 22-19-1 record in 43 games with a .873 SV% and 3.13 GAA. Additionally, his -0.382 Goals Saved Above Expected per 60 is the fourth-worst in the league among netminders that have played in 30 or more contests.
If the Panthers can get Bobrovsky on a two-to-three-year deal, they’ll likely be able to agree with Bobrovsky relatively quickly. Some outlets have indicated that Bobrovsky is seeking a five-year deal, which could be the reason that the two sides haven’t arranged anything sooner.
Meanwhile, unlike Bobrovsky, Greer is enjoying the best season of his career. Over the past two years with Florida, Greer has scored 17 goals and accumulated 39 points in 142 games, along with 381 hits. It’s not a groundbreaking production by any stretch, but Greer offers immense physicality and timely goal-scoring from the fourth line.
Unfortunately, his productivity likely means that the Panthers won’t be able to extend him on a similar salary. Greer is earning an $850K salary this season and is likely seeking to cash in while he can. Still, even if he is expected to sign a larger contract, his salary shouldn’t be more than $2MM.
Bob wants a five-year deal? He’s almost 38 and is looking kinda washed. I really hope Florida does that.
K
Yeah, never mind what he does in the playoffs: if the team doesn’t GET to the playoffs, because he can’t even manage league average in the regular season, who cares? -24.8 GSAA, anyone else think that we’re talking about at least five wins lost there? That isn’t the difference between Florida and the playoffs, that’s the difference between Florida and 5th place in the conference.
Bobrovsky is toast!
Nice to see a GM not throw the towel in on his team due to one down season. Refreshing actually.
Yesterday they were being traded. Now they’re being extended? Way to stay the course. LOL
What are you on about? YOU may have thought he was going to be traded, but there were talks of a Bobrovsky extension prior to any murmurs of him being traded.
This yr shows how good Barkov is. Their best overall player obviously. But looking deeper: their best offensive player, defensive player, penalty killer, power play guy, faceoff guy. There may not be a more valuable player in the league.
Hes the best 200ft player in the game
Bob needs to oil those old bones and the Oilers need those old bones!
considering the panthers have played 60+ extra playoff games the last three seasons.. a down year can”t be a huge surprise