The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year, $21 million contract, bringing significant experience and championship pedigree to a team eager to return to the NHL playoffs. The 37-year-old Bobrovsky, a two-time winner of the league’s top goaltender award and two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers, became available following the Panthers’ trade for goalie Jacob Markstrom earlier this week.

Bobrovsky expressed gratitude for his new opportunity with Toronto during a video conference Friday. “I never thought I’d leave Florida, but things work out the way they work out,” he said. “The organization decided to go in a different direction, and I respect that and have great appreciation for what they have done for me.” He acknowledged the challenges he faced during the Panthers’ difficult 2025-26 season, in which Florida missed the playoffs and he posted a .877 save percentage, well below his career standards.

Toronto, which ended a decade-long playoff streak by missing the postseason last year, has been actively reshaping its roster. Alongside Bobrovsky’s signing, the team has acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh and forwards Jack Roslovic, Nick Paul, and Colton Sissons, signaling a concerted effort to improve both depth and stability. The goaltender position, in particular, was a pressing concern after the team traded promising young netminder Joseph Woll in June, leaving injured Anthony Stolarz as the only other experienced option.

General manager John Chayka called Bobrovsky “a real game changer” in terms of providing consistency and durability. “To be able to secure a player like that for a team that’s looking to break through, we feel like it was the right player at the right time,” he said.

Beyond the free-agent signings, Toronto used the first overall pick in the NHL draft to select 18-year-old forward Gavin McKenna, who subsequently signed a three-year entry-level contract. McKenna, who initially chose jersey number 72, has offered the number to Bobrovsky, who has worn it for most of his career.

Despite being in the later stages of his career, Bobrovsky remains passionate about the game. “I love the game so much,” he said. “It is a blessing to be a hockey player and to play in the NHL. And now I am coming to what I consider the capital of hockey.” The addition of Bobrovsky adds not only veteran leadership but also a winning mentality that Toronto hopes will propel them back into playoff contention.