Sergei Bobrovsky is heading into a new season in a new city, but he made sure not to leave Florida without a message.
As he gets set for his first training camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs this week, the two-time Stanley Cup champion took a moment to thank Panthers fans after seven seasons in South Florida. Bobrovsky wrote on Instagram in Russian that he hopes this “new phase” will bring not only more victories, but “bright moments and people who will love and support you as genuinely.
”Thank you for everything, Florida.’’
Bobrovsky posted the note with a photo of himself at his Fort Lauderdale home holding the Stanley Cup.
His departure closes a long run with the Panthers, who signed him to what was then the largest contract in franchise history. He helped push Florida to the Stanley Cup Final in three straight years beginning in 2023, with the Panthers winning the title in 2024 and 2025.
This offseason, Bobrovsky and Florida couldn’t find common ground on a new deal. The Panthers moved forward by acquiring Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid, and Bobrovsky ultimately landed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Maple Leafs.
A few days after putting pen to paper with Toronto, Bobrovsky admitted he had believed a return to South Florida was still possible.
“To be honest,’’ he said, “I thought I was going to stay in Florida. Yeah, but things work out how they work out. The Leafs put their trust, their belief in me.they gave me a good opportunity to join a historical, legendary team, to be part of this organization.’’
The farewell note from Bobrovsky followed a similar post from his wife, Olga, who last week said goodbye to “our beutiful home,’’ using a lead photo taken off the dock at their Fort Lauderdale place.
“Many feasts and happy moments,’’ she wrote. “It’s time to move on.’’
Her post also included family photos from their time in South Florida, including shots of their children, the 2024 Stanley Cup parade in Fort Lauderdale, and moments with friends such as Artemi Panarin.
While Bobrovsky begins the next chapter in Toronto, the Panthers are also set to hit the ice this week. Florida opens training camp Thursday morning in Fort Lauderdale.
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