“Florida’s Eetu Luostarinen has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for high-sticking Pittsburgh’s Rickard Rakell,” as stated by the NHL‘s Department of Player Safety on its social media.

No further discipline has been announced, meaning Luostarinen won’t be suspended for his actions. Pittsburgh fans don’t love this decision, with many pointing to Evgeni Malkin’s five-game suspension for slashing exactly one month ago. However, the two penalties aren’t quite comparable.

Season over for Panthers

With five games left on the schedule, Florida is already eliminated from playoff contention. Thus, the Cats have decided to shut down several stars, like Brad Marchand, Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, and Sam Reinhart. Their lineup nowadays looks nothing like the one that hoisted the Stanley Cup back in June 2025.

With nothing left to play for and a depleted roster, the Panthers were rag-dolled by the Penguins in consecutive outings, suffering 9–4 and 5–2 losses during a back-to-back in the City of Bridges. Not being used to such blowouts, the Cats responded in retaliation. It all led to Luostarinen unleashing his frustration with a dangerous high stick against Rakell, for which the NHL has now lowered the hammer with a hefty sanction.

Panthers embrace ‘ethical’ tank

Essentially, the Cats are playing for positioning in the upcoming NHL Draft Lottery. Panthers fans weren’t aware that was even in play until it was revealed that the first-round pick sent to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Seth Jones–Spencer Knight trade was top-10 protected. That means that if the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champions finish in the bottom 10 of the standings, they will keep their first-round pick in 2026 and instead send their 2027 pick to the Blackhawks.

Thus, missing the postseason after making it to the Stanley Cup Final three years in a row doesn’t have to be so painful for Florida. If the Panthers come away with a top selection—let alone win the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes—it might be worth giving up on the dream of the first three-peat in the NHL’s salary cap era.

“Florida Panthers forward, A.J. Greer has been suspended for three games for boarding Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary,” the NHL’s official statement read.

Greer had hit Zary near the back and neck area of his body as he was stumbling near the boards. The Flames’ centre was driven head-first into the wall because of the unsportsmanlike contact and is now listed day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Greer suspension history

With the confirmation of the three-game suspension for Greer, the veteran forward has now been assessed the second suspension of his NHL career. The first one had been during his time with the Boston Bruins. Back in the 2022-23 season, he was suspended one game for cross-checking Mike Hoffman of the Montreal Canadiens.

Fans react to suspension

Because Greer was scheduled for a video-call hearing with league officials, he couldn’t be handed a suspension longer than three games. Fans across the league expressed their disappointment with the Department of Player Safety’s decision, as many expected a much bigger punishment.

“Fire [head of the Dept. of Player Safety] George Parros. This is a joke,” an upset fan wrote on X. “Christmas comes early for Greer and the Panthers. Big shock,” another one stated.

Which games will Greer miss?

As he does the time on his three-game suspension, Greer will be sidelined for the following outings: March 24th vs Seattle Kraken, March 26th vs Minnesota Wild, and March 28th at New York Islanders.

Because the Cats play on back-to-back nights against the Isles and NY Rangers in The Big Apple, Greer may be sidelined for the latter game, as well. He may be back in the lineup when the Panthers return home to host the Ottawa Senators in Sunrise.

How much money will Greer forfeit due to suspension?

Because Greer has been suspended for three games without pay, he will be missing out on significant paychecks. As confirmed by the league, Greer will forfeit approximately $13,281. This is all under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and based on Greer’s average annual salary.

Greer is on the final season of his two-year, $1.7 million contract. Set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer (UFA), if the Panthers don’t re-sign him, he may have trouble finding a new team based on his recent reputation.

Despite the noise around the league, Bobrovsky ultimately was not moved, a sign that the Panthers intend to keep him for the near future as they continue pushing to remain among the top contenders in the Stanley Cup race. Now, attention has shifted from trade speculation to the possibility of a new contract.

According to a report from David Pagnotta, discussions between the Florida Panthers and Bobrovsky are expected to continue as both sides evaluate what a potential extension could look like. “Contract talks with Sergei Bobrovsky will also continue. He first asked for a long-term extension and I think the Panthers prefer a two or three-year deal.”

Will Sergei Bobrovsky leave the Florida Panthers?

No. Sergei Bobrovsky will not leave the Florida Panthers. Despite the rumors, the team’s front office decided to keep him, closing the door to any contender interested in a trade not only this season but also heading into the next one.

Sergei Bobrovsky and a contract extension with Panthers

The interesting part of the negotiations will undoubtedly be the length of the new contract. Bobrovsky is 37 years old and, despite his great talent, the Panthers do not seem willing to go for anything longer than two years.

NHL insider Kevin Weekes added fuel to the speculation when discussing Edmonton’s involvement to negotiate with the Florida Panthers and the player. “I’m told the Oilers and Bobrovsky’s camp have had some conversations.”

For Edmonton, exploring the market makes sense given their ongoing search for stability in net. Adding a veteran goaltender with Bobrovsky’s résumé would give the Oilers another experienced option and potentially strengthen their roster as they look to remain competitive in a difficult Western Conference. Connor McDavid needs help.

Oilers could comlplicate Canadiens trade for Sergei Bobrovsky

The Montreal Canadiens have been widely viewed as one of the more logical landing spots if Bobrovsky becomes available. However, the Oilers entering the picture could significantly complicate that scenario.

If the Oilers decide to pursue Bobrovsky more aggressively, they could create a bidding situation that raises the cost for any interested team, including Montreal. At the moment, it’s expected a high price set by the Florida Panthers.

With the trade market still developing, the situation remains fluid. What is clear, though, is that the Oilers and Canadiens may now find themselves competing for the same goalie if Bobrovsky ultimately becomes available. There’s not a lot of time left.

NHL insider Chris Johnston shared an intriguing update about the uncertainty surrounding Bobrovsky’s future. “Sergei Bobrovsky: Some people I really trust out there believe this guy is being traded; but, I can’t figure out where he’s going.”

The speculation comes at a crucial time in the season, with Stanley Cup contenders evaluating their options before the deadline. A move involving Bobrovsky would instantly reshape the goalie market and could have ripple effects across several teams hoping to make a push toward the playoffs.

Sergie Bobrovsky trade talk grows ahead of NHL deadline

Another notable perspective came from NHL insider Darren Dreger, who compared Sergei Bobrovsky’s situation with that of another frequently mentioned goalie on the trade market. “I think there’s a better chance Sergei Bobrovsky gets moved than Jordan Binnington, but, I got a note that puts the odds of Binnington traded to 50/50.”

That update suggests that teams searching for help in net could still have multiple options available before the deadline. While Binnington has also been connected to trade rumors, Dreger’s comment implies that Bobrovsky might actually be the more likely goalie to move in the current market.

With teams evaluating their rosters and looking for stability in goal, the situation remains fluid. If the Panthers ultimately decide to consider offers, Bobrovsky could become one of the most impactful names to watch as teams attempt to strengthen their chances for a deep playoff run.

With Montreal competing for a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, acquiring an experienced player could be crucial for their postseason hopes. However, according to a report from Pierre LeBrun, that’s not their ideal scenario. “It’s not out of the question that they trade for a goalie, I just think it’s something they’ve really wanted to avoid all year.”

Despite the speculation, the Canadiens may ultimately refrain from making a move if the right deal does not present itself. The trade with the Florida Panthers for Bobrovsky seems really complicated and, for now, Binnington’s situation is uncertain with the Blues.

Canadiens trade for Sergei Bobrovsky is really difficult

Several teams around the league have reportedly shown interest in Sergei Bobrovsky ahead of the NHL trade deadline, including the Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, and Carolina Hurricanes.

However, any potential move for Bobrovsky cannot begin without the first step coming from the Florida Panthers. They hold the leverage and ultimately control whether a trade is even possible.

The reality, though, is that a contract extension with the Panthers seems more likely than a trade. While other teams are interested, the Stanley Cup champions have been cautious to show if they intend to part ways with the veteran. For now, Bobrovsky’s future likely depends on Florida’s plans, making any deal for Montreal or other contenders a challenging proposition.

If Sergei Bobrovsky is not available, a report from Pierre LeBrun indicates that the Canadiens would have an alternative plan. “What I would say is that if, and I still think it’s a long shot, the Canadiens decided to trade for a goalie before Friday’s deadline, it likely wouldn’t be for a rental. In that scenario, Jordan Binnington would actually make more sense.”

At the moment, the Canadiens are in the race to secure a playoff spot as a wild card team in the Eastern Conference. For that reason, a goalie with experience would be key in their push for the Stanley Cup.

Will the Canadiens make a trade before NHL deadline?

The Canadiens have appeared in many trade rumors ahead of the NHL deadline. However, in the case of Sergei Bobrovsky, the situation is very complicated because the expected outcome is that the Florida Panthers will give him a contract extension and not let him go.

Canadiens could trade for Jordan Binnington

Therefore, in this scenario, Jordan Binnington could be a more likely landing spot for the Montreal Canadiens. An appropriate offer for the Blues could trigger a very interesting move heading into the playoffs.

Bobrovsky, though in the midst of a down year, has proven his value in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, leading the Panthers to three straight Cup finals and back-to-back Stanley Cups. Who knows? Maybe Bobrovsky can pull off what Carey Price couldn’t and help the Habs hoist their first Stanley Cup since their last triumph in 1993.

Recently and before the NHL trade deadline, the Canadiens got an encouraging signal as the Panthers signed goalie Louis Domingue. The move could’ve implied Florida is testing the waters around Bobrovsky. Since, another update on where the market stands on “Bob” has been made public.

According to Elliotte Friedman, Bobrovsky may be leaving the Panthers soon. “I don’t think it’s impossible between now and 3 PM ET Friday that we get a Bobrovsky move,” the insider said on NHL Network.

Bobrovsky’s suitors

A goaltender with Bobrovsky’s pedigree isn’t made available every day in the NHL. Thus, as the Panthers acknowledge their shot at a three-peat has slipped away, many teams are knocking on the door to ask about the goaltender, whose contract will expire in July.

“My sense is that Vegas and Carolina make the most sense if Sergei Bobrovsky moves,” insider Pierre LeBrun wrote on The Athletic. Similarly to Montreal, Vegas and Carolina face some question marks in net.

Adin Hill has led the Knights to a Cup, but has production has since dipped, and Carter Hart has yet to establish himself in Sin City. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have an absolute stud in Brandon Bussi, who’s won 9 straight games, but the 27-year-old rookie is still wet behind the ears when it comes to the postseason. Thus, having a backup plan in Bobrovsky can’t possibly hurt them.

Bobrovsky’s contract and recent form

Moreover, even though “Bob” is signed to a $10 million contract, the popular belief around the NHL is that the Cats will absorb part of the cap hit. Two-time Stanley Cup champions and Vezina Trophy winners aren’t available for trade often.

Even if Bobrovsky has been playing his worst hockey recently—with an .873 save percentage and a 3.13 GAA this season—everyone knows how he can step up in the playoffs. The past three Stanley Cup Final runs with the Panthers, including back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025, should serve as a reminder for every team circling him.

Years later, that agreement still carries weight. With a cap hit of $10 million per season and its final stretch approaching, his deal continues to influence conversations around roster planning and the team’s long-term direction.

As the contract edges closer to its end, the focus quietly shifts beyond the numbers. Performance, timing and the Panthers’ evolving plans now sit alongside the financial details, shaping the broader story of what this deal has meant.

Will Sergei Bobrovsky be traded by the Panthers?

Trade rumors involving Sergei Bobrovsky intensified during the 2026 season as the Florida Panthers slipped out of the playoff race and approached the NHL trade deadline with a different strategy than in previous years.

After several deep postseason runs, the franchise reportedly shifted into “seller mode”, prompting the front office to listen to offers for some pending unrestricted free agents, including the veteran goaltender.

League insiders such as Pierre LeBrun reported that Florida was willing to explore the market for Bobrovsky, particularly because his contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025–26 season. With no confirmed extension in place, the possibility of moving the two-time Vezina Trophy winner before free agency began to circulate across the league.

Still, a trade would not be straightforward. He holds a modified no-trade clause that allows him to block deals to 16 teams, meaning any move would require cooperation from the player as well as a team willing to absorb his remaining salary.

What is Sergei Bobrovsky’s salary with the Panthers?

Sergei Bobrovsky’s current contract with the Florida Panthers is valued at $70 million over seven years, with an average annual value of $10 million against the NHL salary cap. When the deal was signed in 2019 free agency, it immediately placed him among the league’s highest-paid goaltenders.

Although the cap hit remains fixed at $10 million each season, the actual cash salary varies from year to year. For the 2025-26 season, he is scheduled to earn a $5 million base salary along with a $1 million signing bonus, totaling $6 million in real earnings.

That difference between cap hit and annual salary reflects how many NHL contracts are structured. While teams manage their payroll around the fixed cap number, the real payment to the player can fluctuate across the life of the deal depending on bonuses and salary distribution.

How many years has Sergei Bobrovsky played for the Panthers?

Sergei Bobrovsky joined the Panthers during the 2019 offseason after hitting free agency, marking one of the most notable signings in the franchise’s history. At the time, Florida was looking to stabilize its goaltending position and brought in the two-time Vezina Trophy winner on a long-term contract.

Since arriving in South Florida, he has served as the team’s primary goaltender and a central figure in the roster’s competitive window. His contract was designed to cover seven seasons, linking his tenure directly to that long-term commitment.

If the contract runs its full length, he will have spent seven seasons with the Panthers by the end of the 2025-26 campaign, the final year of the agreement before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

After the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champions confirmed the signing of former New York Rangers goaltender Louis Domingue, the signs appear 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. Elliotte Friedman later reported that the Cats are placing Domingue on waivers. If he clears, he can be sent down to the AHL, and later called up in case Bobrovsky is traded.

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.

Following a third consecutive loss—a 5-1 defeat at the hands of the New Jersey Devils—Florida now trail the final wild-card spot by 10 points, making a return to the postseason increasingly unlikely.

Given this outlook, reports indicate the franchise has decided to move pending unrestricted free agents before the deadline. According to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, the Panthers are willing to listen to offers for veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and forward A.J. Greer. This marks a shift in narrative, as insider David Pagnotta had previously predicted Bobrovsky would sign a contract extension to remain in South Florida.

“The Panthers lost again last night and my understanding is they’ve made the decision to be sellers as far as listening on pending UFAs, which most notably include the likes of A.J. Greer and Sergei Bobrovsky,” LeBrun reported via X.

However, a potential deal for Bobrovsky remains complex. The 37-year-old holds a 16-team no-trade list and carries a significant $10 million cap hit, effectively narrowing the field of potential suitors by half. “Bobrovsky has a 16-team no-trade list. Doesn’t mean he will be dealt for sure, just means Florida is listening,” LeBrun added.

Potential landing spots for Bobrovsky

Despite leading the Panthers to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and back-to-back championships, the storied relationship between the franchise and their star netminder appears to be nearing its conclusion.

The two-time Vezina Trophy winner is currently enduring his most difficult statistical NHL campaign since 2019-20, posting a .872 save percentage and a 3.13 goals-against average (GAA) through 43 starts.

While no official deal is imminent, Austin Konenski of Yahoo Sports identifies the Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, and Vegas Golden Knights as potential destinations for the Russian veteran.