Panthers face key Bobrovsky decision as free agency looms

• Rumors swirled around the goalie before the trade deadline but the team ultimately opted to hold onto the 37-year-old despite looming free agency.
• Bobrovsky, who turns 38 in September, is coming off his worst statistical season of his 16-year career with a .877 save percentage.

What they're saying: "I'd like to keep him. I hope we can. We'll see what happens," general manager Bill Zito told The Athletic in April.

• "We cannot lose him," star forward Matthew Tkachuk told reporters at the end-of-year press conference. "He's our guy. He is going to get us back to where we want to be."

State of play: The core of the Panthers team is locked down for next season including captain Aleksander Barkov, Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart and defenseman Seth Jones, the Miami Herald reported.

• Along with Bobrovsky, other unrestricted free agents include forwards A.J. Greer, Tomas Nosak and backup goalie Danil Tarasov.

• Among the restricted free agents are Mackie Samoskevich, Michael Benning, Donovan Sebrango.

By the numbers: The Panthers are projected to have $13.8 million in cap space and hold seven picks in the 2026 NHL Draft including the No. 9 overall pick.

The bottom line: Florida's chances of returning to the top of the Atlantic Division may rest on decisions made in the coming weeks.