The Florida Panthers are seemingly waving the white flag on the 2025-26 NHL season. This could mean Sergei Bobrovsky will be traded before the deadline, and the Montreal Canadiens are among the frontrunners to acquire him.
After the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champions confirmed the signing of former New York Rangers goaltender Louis Domingue, the signs appeared to be there for the Habs to make a splash and for the Panthers to allow it.
“We’ve agreed to terms with goaltender Louis Domingue on a one-year, two-way contract,” the Panthers announced in an official statement. Domingue last played in the NHL for the Rangers in the 2024-25 season. However, Elliotte Friedman later reported that the Cats are placing Domingue on waivers.
The Canadiens boast one of the most exciting teams in the Eastern Conference. However, they are missing an elite goaltender to truly be a Stanley Cup contender. That’s when Bobrovsky (who is on an expiring contract) chimes in, and why the Canadiens reportedly eye a trade for the two-time Stanley Cup champion. Whether Florida can stand sending a divisional opponent such a crucial weapon, that’s a different story.
Bobrovsky trending towards trade
Playing on a contract year due to his expiring seven-year, $70 million contract, Bobrovsky knew he had to put up very strong numbers or help Florida go in yet another deep playoff run to stay in Sunrise. Neither happened, and now reports suggest the Panthers will trade him before Friday’s 3:00 PM ET deadline in the NHL.
Following yet another disheartening effort and blowout loss in the 2025-26 campaign, the Panthers have reportedly decided to become sellers before the trade deadline. Bobrovsky headlines the potential departures, although the Russian’s contract presents a tough hurdle to clear. Along with his $10 million cap hit, Bobrovsky also holds a 16-team no-trade list, which allows him to veto more than half the league.
In order to trade the Russian netminder, the Panthers—and most likely another organization, as well— will have to retain a percentage of Bobrovsky’s $10 million cap hit. Montreal can’t take up such a contract. When there’s a will, there’s a way, though. Needless to say, the Habs look excited about potentially acquiring Bobrovsky.
Bobrovsky has struggled so far
So far in the 2025-26 NHL season, Bobrovsky has appeared in 43 games, securing 22 wins while posting a 3.13 goals-against average (GAA). With the Panthers averaging only 2.98 goals for per game, it is clear why Florida has struggled as mightily as it has.
Moreover, Bobrovsky is currently sporting a save percentage (SV%) of .873. If the season ended today, it would mark the worst statistical campaign of his career. Perhaps a change of scenery would help him rediscover his form, because, so far, it has been tough to watch.
SURVEY Will Montreal trade for Bobrovsky?
Will Montreal trade for Bobrovsky?
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