- Sergei Bobrovsky called Toronto “the capital of hockey” after his free agent signing
- The veteran goalie admits he thought he’d finish his career in Florida
- Read below for his full comments and the media availability video
Sergei Bobrovsky doesn’t do a lot of talking. He had plenty to say about his new home.
The veteran goalie signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Maple Leafs on July 1. When he met with reporters two days later, he put Toronto on a pedestal.
Bobrovsky was asked what pulled him to the Leafs.
“It is a blessing to be a hockey player and play in the NHL, and it is a blessing to join this team. Toronto is the capital of hockey, in my mind,” Bobrovsky said, per Maple Leafs Hot Stove.
Watch Bobrovsky’s full media availability:
The switch caught even Bobrovsky off guard. He figured he’d ride out his career in South Florida.
“To be honest, I thought I was going to stay in Florida, but the things work out how they work out. The Leafs put their trust in me. They put their belief. They gave me a good opportunity to join the historic, legendary team and be part of this organization,” Bobrovsky said.
He leaves Florida as a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion, so his standards travel with him. The Leafs shared a sit-down with their new goalie:
Bobrovsky’s arrival came with a wardrobe wrinkle too. Rookie Gavin McKenna handed over No. 72 so the goalie could keep the number he wore in Florida.
At 37, he takes over a Toronto crease that has swallowed up plenty of goalies before him. Bobrovsky sounds like a man who wants that job, not one who fell into it.
“I love the game so much. I love everything about the game. It has been a fun process for me. As I go deeper, I love it even more,” he said.
