- Bobrovsky called Toronto “the capital of hockey” in his first comments as a Maple Leaf
- The veteran goaltender admitted he expected to re-sign in Florida before Toronto came calling
- Read below for his full comments and the video from his media availability
Sergei Bobrovsky isn’t treating his move to Toronto like just another stop.
The veteran goaltender met with reporters Friday for the first time since signing with the Maple Leafs, and he leaned right into the market he just joined.
“It’s a blessing to play this game,” Bobrovsky said. “Toronto, it’s the capital of hockey. I’m excited about that. It’s a big responsibility and I’m happy to help this team win.”
Watch Bobrovsky’s full media availability:
He also admitted the move caught him off guard. Bobrovsky figured he’d be back in Florida for another year.
“I’m excited for the opportunity. To be honest, I thought I’d stay in Florida,” Bobrovsky said. “The Leafs put their trust in me, their belief, and they gave me a good opportunity to join a historical, legendary team.”
Toronto grabbed him on the opening day of free agency, handing the 37-year-old a three-year contract worth $21 million with a $7 million cap hit.
The Panthers moved on the same week, trading for Jacob Markstrom and letting Bobrovsky walk after he backstopped them to Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025.
His resume is why the Leafs made the call. Bobrovsky won two Vezina Trophies during his Columbus days and just carried Florida to back-to-back titles. Take a look at the kind of goaltending Toronto is paying for:
He’ll wear No. 72 in Toronto, the number top pick Gavin McKenna handed over once the signing went through.
The Leafs haven’t won a playoff round that mattered in ages, and they just gave the crease to a goalie who owns two rings. Now Bobrovsky has to prove the capital of hockey picked the right guy.
