This might have proved difficult for the Panthers, and if this information is true, it seems the Florida front office has accepted a possibly crippling mistake. Bobrovsky carries a 10M cap hit with a full NMC into the 2025-2026 season, with a no-trade clause kicking in for the last two years of his contract in 2024. Ouf. Bobrovsky has also not fully fulfilled his half of the investment the Panthers put into him the previous three seasons, posting a save percentage of .900, .906, and .913. Bob has had his ups and downs since being dealt to the Sunshine State.
Having 10M tied up in a slightly older 33-year-old goaltender who hasn't exactly been dynamite for the better half of three seasons isn't really a great way to stay competitive, and it may be hard to find a willing trade partner. The Panthers will have to do some over-hauling this off-season, and some of that work may need to be directed at the crease. Finding a way to take some pressure off such a hefty contract, and giving Bobrovsky a fresh start somewhere else may include some salary retention and decent players, prospects, or picks shipped out.