Bobrovsky Signing Continues Great Offseason for Florida Panthers
Lost in the wake of NBA free agency, the Florida Panthers have had a tremendous offseason thus far.
The Panthers displayed Heat-like savvy this week signing elite goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
That has been overshadowed of course by the events over the last 24 hours consuming this market.
Perhaps rightfully so.
NHL officials however should look at the timing of their free agency period, which aligns almost exactly with the NBA.
In signing Bobrovsky to a 7-year, 70-million dollar contract, the Cats mean business.
Only Carey Price makes more average salary in terms of goaltenders.
After bringing in veteran head coach Joel Quenneville, Dale Tallon has reloaded the Panthers from the goal line up.
#FlaPanthers Make Splash with Bobrovsky Signing, Add Depth in Free Agency.
“They’re going to show them the way and the price you have to pay to get into the playoffs. These guys will lead by example.”
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— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) July 1, 2019
The retirement of Roberto Luongo left an immediate need in net for the Cats.
Bobrovsky brings an elite goalie in right away to fill the void, and expectations will be high in Sunrise this year.
A two time Vezina Trophy winner, Bobrovsky will stabilize a position that was troubling last year.
Florida ranked 28th in the NHL in both total goals allowed (273) and goal per game allowed (3.33) last year.
Bobrovsky spent the last seven seasons in Columbus and in addition to the two Vezina wins is a five-time NHL All-Star.
Florida also added what many consider the best goalie to enter the NHL draft recently in Spencer Knight, watch out for a profile on him soon.
More Solid Additions
In front of Bobrovsky the Panthers solidified their blue line corps adding veteran defenseman Anton Stralman who spent the last five seasons across the state in Tampa Bay.
Stralman was a major part of the defense on the Lightning and the 12-year vet will add much needed experience and stability to the Panthers’ blue line.
Florida also added forwards Brett Connolly and Noel Acciari in a busy stretch this week.
Make sure to follow on Twitter @SportsWaveDave for the latest in Miami sports.
I appreciate Five Reasons’ efforts to cover the Panthers, but this story came up embarrassingly short. No current photos, no quotes from the new players, Tallon or Q despite the fact that everyone was at the team’s press conference.
I realize that this site is obsessed with the NBA, but “the lost in the wake of NBA free agency” lead and the “Heat-like savvy” reference were laugh-out-loud ridiculous. The NBA and the NHL are different leagues with different fan bases and the Panthers’ relentless pursuit of Bobrovsky has been a major story in the hockey world for months. Bob’s addition to the Panthers, which could produce a Stanley Cup, is more significant than Butler’s addition to the Heat.
This is meant to be sincere, constructive criticism. Five Reasons has been a success and I hope it realizes its potential.