Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky met with reporters for the first time after signing a three-year contract worth $7 million on July 1. Bobrovsky is the headline acquisition from John Chayka’s free agency overhaul, where the Maple Leafs were easily the busiest team in the NHL, signing several depth forwards to the roster.

The two-time Vezina Trophy winner spoke to reporters, and outlined why he wanted to join the Maple Leafs, after spending the previous seven seasons with the Florida Panthers.

“I’m excited for the opportunity,” Bobrovsky said. “To be honest, I thought I’d stay in Florida, but things work out how they work out. The Leafs put their trust in me, their belief, and they gave me a good opportunity to join a historical, legendary team, and be part of this organization.”

Bobrovksy thanked the Panthers for his time with the organization, where he won two Stanley Cups.

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank Florida Panthers organization. It’s been amazing, amazing seven years for me. I want to thank everybody through whole organization, Viola family, Vinnie. It’s been great. We won 2 Cups. It’s been amazing. The coaches, medical staff, Everybody, obviously fans, I from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank them for all that time. We went through a lot. Obviously, my teammates, I love those guys. They’ve been amazing to me and the memories that we built together, they will stay in my heart forever.”

There will be a reunion, as Bobrovsky joins Steven Lorentz and Anthony Stolarz from Florida’s 2024 Cup-winning team. Bobrovsky is widely expected to operate as the starting goaltender, with Stolarz as his backup, and Calder Cup Playoffs MVP Artur Akhtyamov vying for a larger role at the NHL level. Bobrovsky spoke about his relationship with both goaltenders, and is clearly looking forward to getting started with the Maple Leafs.

“Yeah, he’s an easygoing guy, you know, it’s fun to be around him. You know, to have some jokes in practices or some jokes outside of the practices. He’s just a nice person,” Bobrovsky said of Stolarz.

“And the young guy Artur, yeah, I talked to him once briefly. He seems like a bright guy too. He’s a nice guy. He’s a big prospect and I’m excited to be part of his development too.”

Of course, there are some immediate items Bobrovsky needed to clarify. Bobrovsky will be wearing No. 72. Gavin McKenna wore No. 72 at Penn State, but the 2026 first overall pick happily deferred to the future Hall of Fame goaltender.

“Yeah, he gave that number to me. We had a little chat last night. He’s a bright guy. He’s got really positive energy, and I’m excited to look, to watch him develop into the big superstar in this league.”

Bobrovsky will be a foundational piece of Toronto’s attempt to finally get over the proverbial hump and break their Stanley Cup drought. He’s one of the best playoff performers of his generation, while Chayka believes Bobrovsky is among the greatest goaltenders of all-time. It’s the headline signing of Toronto’s tremendously busy offseason, and Bobrovsky’s championship pedigree, durability and experience will be welcomed into the organization with open arms.