Sergei Bobrovsky
Two-time Vezina Trophy winner and back-to-back Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers.
Sergei Andreyevich Bobrovsky (born 20 September 1988) is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He has also played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Florida Panthers. Bobrovsky is a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, winning in the 2012–13 and 2016–17 seasons while a member of the Blue Jackets. After signing with Florida in 2019, he backstopped the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025. In February 2023, he achieved the most wins for a Russian goaltender in NHL history, surpassing Evgeni Nabokov. As of 2026, he has the seventh most wins of any goaltender in league history.
- Position
- Goaltender
- Nationality
- Russian
- Major Award
- Vezina Trophy (2013, 2017)
- Franchise Status
- Former Player
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Bobrovsky was not drafted into the NHL. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on 6 May 2010. He made his NHL debut on 7 October 2010 as the starting goaltender, earning a 3–2 win and being named the game's first star. At 22 years and 17 days, he became the youngest goaltender to win a season-opening game for the Flyers. On 22 June 2012, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Columbus' 2012 second-round pick, a 2012 fourth-round pick, and the Phoenix Coyotes' 2013 fourth-round pick. During the 2012–13 NHL lockout, he signed with SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL. On 1 July 2013, he signed a two-year, $11.25 million contract extension with the Blue Jackets. On 3 July 2013, he was named to the NHL first All-Star team. He won his second Vezina Trophy in the 2016–17 season. On 1 July 2019, he signed a seven-year, $70 million contract with the Florida Panthers.
In Their Own Story
On April 3, 2014, the Blue Jackets faced the Pittsburgh Penguins in game two of their first-ever playoff series. The arena buzzed with tension until Bobrovsky made a crucial stop that ignited the team. Moments later, Columbus secured a 4–3 victory, marking the first playoff win in franchise history. Two days later, they won again, but the series turned on game five where Bobrovsky faced 50 shots, saving 48 for a .960 save percentage. Despite his heroics, the team fell 3–1. The series concluded on April 28 with a 4–3 loss in game six, ending their historic run but proving their resilience. Earlier that December, Bobrovsky had suffered an injury against Tampa Bay that sidelined him for four to five weeks. His return on January 6, 2014, against the New York Rangers was immediate and decisive. In a shootout decider, he made a glove save on former Blue Jacket star Rick Nash, which became the game-winning moment in a 4–3 victory. These moments defined his era: clutch saves in tight games that carried an expansion team to uncharted territory.
Reader's Guide
Bobrovsky's playing career includes: Philadelphia Flyers (2010–2012), Columbus Blue Jackets (2012–2019), Florida Panthers (2019–2026), and Toronto Maple Leafs (current). Key achievements: two Vezina Trophies (2012–13, 2016–17), back-to-back Stanley Cup championships (2024, 2025) with Florida, and most wins by a Russian goaltender in NHL history (February 2023). He has the seventh most wins of any goaltender in league history as of 2026.
Did You Know?
- Bobrovsky was not drafted into the NHL.
- He became the youngest goaltender to win a season-opening game for the Flyers at 22 years and 17 days.
- He was named to the NHL first All-Star team on 3 July 2013.
- He backstopped the Florida Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sergei Bobrovsky?
He was a Russian goaltender who served as the Columbus Blue Jackets' primary netminder from 2012 to 2019. During his tenure, he became one of the most decorated players in franchise history through his elite performance between the pipes.
What major awards did Bobrovsky win with Columbus?
Bobrovsky captured the Vezina Trophy twice while playing for the Blue Jackets, winning in both 2013 and 2017 as the league's best goaltender. These honors recognized his exceptional save percentage and goals-against average during those seasons.
How did Bobrovsky join the Columbus Blue Jackets?
He arrived via a trade involving multiple future draft selections after returning from Russia during the 2012 lockout. Bobrovsky immediately replaced Steve Mason as the starter, setting franchise records with his elite statistics in his first full season.
What is Bobrovsky's biggest playoff achievement with Columbus?
He led the team to its first-ever playoff series victory in franchise history during his time as their starter. This milestone marked a significant breakthrough for the organization under his leadership in goal.
When did Sergei Bobrovsky leave the Blue Jackets?
He remained the team's goaltender until July 2019, concluding a seven-year stint that included significant contract extensions. Although he is no longer on the roster, his legacy as a two-time Vezina winner remains intact within the franchise.
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