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Panthers Should Retire Sergei Bobrovsky’s Number

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports)

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Panthers Should Retire Sergei Bobrovsky’s Number

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Joey Ganzi | Last updated Jul 2, 2026 10:15 AM ET

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The next NHL season is mere months away, and the Florida Panthers look to win their third Stanley Cup over the course of the last four seasons. The team begins their free agency period with a series of moves.

Two of their most notable moves focus on the guy between the pipes. Earlier this week, general manager Bill Zito made the move to acquire their former 31st overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, goaltender Jacob Markstrom. In the deal, they shipped off forwards Evan Rodrigues, Ben Steeves and Jesper Boqvist. Additionally, they acquired forward Angus Crookshank in that deal. Around the same time, the team also traded a 2028 third-round selection to acquire Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Akira Schmid, solidifying the backup position.

With that in mind, their former starter, Sergei Bobrovksy, was signed to a three year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth $7 million per season. The team attempted to bring him back, but the contract negotiations never worked out for both parties involved. It signals the end of an era for the Russian netminder. With that being the end, the Panthers should, at some point, send his number to the rafters of Amerant Bank Arena for his amazing contribution to the team.

Bobrovsky’s Time in Florida Solidifies His Hall of Fame Resume

Bobrovsky was brought to South Florida by former Panthers general manager Dale Talon. He came in with a great resume with two Vezina Trophies with the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets. But he had one more goal in mind when he came here: win the Stanley Cup.

While it came a little later in his time with the Panthers, he managed to accomplish that feat not once, but twice. En route to his first one, he finished with all 16 wins necessary to claim it, a goals against average of 2.32, a save percentage (SV%) of .906, and two shutouts. On his way to a second Cup, he once again won 16 games, while he honed a GAA of 2.20, a SV% of .914 and three shutouts.

On top of what he’s done to secure the franchise’s first ever pair of Stanley Cups, he’s cemented himself in Panther history. In the 2021-22 season, he set a franchise record for most wins in a season with 39. Furthermore, over all Panthers goalies, he is first in 30-win seasons with three, first in 20-win seasons with six, first in playoff wins with 50, first in playoff shutouts with six, third in shutouts with 20, second in wins with 201, second in games played with 349, and the longest winning streak in Panthers playoff history with six straight wins.

He Will be Joined by Another Legendary Panther Goalie

Assuming Vincent Viola and Doug Cifu make the decision to retire his name and number, he will be joined by another elite Panther goalie. On March 7, 2020, the organization retired the number of goaltender Roberto Luongo and sent his name to the rafters forever. He currently holds the franchise record for most wins with 230 and shutouts with 38. He is also fourth in NHL history in wins with 489. Not a bad person to be sent up with.

Is It Going to Happen?

Theres still some thing that have to happen first. This upcoming season, Bobrovksy will turn 38. When his new contract with the Maple Leafs ends, he will be 40. Of course, no one knows if this is the very last of him in the league. But regardles, he’s done so much for the team to get them to a place that seemed unheard of to fans two decades ago. Because of that, it would give him the respect he deserves with such a high honor within the franchise.

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

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