contract details

position/player: g, Sergei bobrovsky

Age: 30

Former team: columbus blue jackets

term: seven years

Aav/Total value: $10 million aav/ $70 million total

what you need to know

The Panthers got their guy. It’s been rumored for quite some time, but it finally became reality on Monday. Two time Vezina trophy winner, Sergei Bobrovsky, who is arguably the most talented goaltender in the NHL, is now a Florida Panther. And it immediately makes the Panthers a contender. The team is built to play for a Stanley Cup year after year with this core and the goalie position is set for the long haul. There’s no better way to transition this team into a new era than following up Roberto Luongo’s Hall of Fame career with another future Hall of Famer in net. And with Sam Montembeault playing behind Bob, and Spencer Knight waiting in the wings, the Cats should be set in net for the next 15 years. But who’s really worried about 15 years from now right? The Panthers are ready to win now! And Bobrovsky can help lead the way. His nine shutouts last year led the NHL. And that is more than the Panthers have had in the past two seasons as a team combined. Not to mention, he backstopped the Blue Jackets to their first round sweep of our rivals over in Tampa Bay. Bob was stellar in last year’s playoffs which effectively erased a lot of the doubt surrounding his play come late April. As he said in his introductory press conference yesterday, he’s ready to win a cup. So is South Florida. He’ll be tested in a tough Atlantic division, but with a healthy Bobrovsky in goal, it’s time to start thinking big. If he continues to be as good as he’s always been, there’s no reason not to look forward to Panthers hockey in late April, May, and hopefully, June.