According to reports by multiple insiders, it appears that the Edmonton Oilers may lose the Sergei Bobrovsky sweepstakes, something that should be seen as a resounding victory.
According to Elliotte Friedman on a recent episode of Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, the Toronto Maple Leafs seem like the most likely team. Saying "Every day it get's closer and then it happened today, I think Bobrovsky is gonna be a Leaf, I really do."
Friedman also dropped a tidbit that the Oilers showed interest in Devon Levi. Friedman said to Bob "I heard you [Oilers] looked into him, obviously it didn't happen but you guys definitely did your research. There was at least interest."
Bobrovsky deal could backfire
The 38 year old Bobrovsky was assumed to be going to the open market, leaving the Florida Panthers one season removed after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with them. This was all but confirmed after the Panthers acquired Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils and Akira Schmid from the Vegas Golden Knights.
It was recently reported that Bobrovsky was eyeing a max term contract worth in the $40 - $42 million range, putting his deal at nearly $7 million per season for six years.
Although Bobrovsky is an almost surefire future hall of fame goaltender, it is understandable why the Panthers would move on from this ask. Despite winning two cups, it cannot be denied that Bobrovsky has seen his numbers decline each of the past two seasons.
Using hockey-reference.com by underlying and traditional metrics, Bobrovsky has had a noticeable decline in performance. His save percentage went from .915 in 2023-24 down to .905 in 2024-25 and to .877 in 2025-26. Similar patterns were seen in his quality start percentage from .638 to .593 down to .529 and by goals saved above average where he went from 18.1 to 7.7 and finally -23.4.
In saying this, the wheels did fall of in Florida this season after multiple long Stanley Cup runs. It is possible that Bobrovsky is able to bounce back and go back to his elite play but for how long? Paying a goalie that much money over such a long term is a very risky gamble, especially well into his 40's. Most goalies and players will take one or two year, short term contracts in the twilight of their career for this very reason.
Father time is undefeated, it will always eventually catch up.
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