Panthers Considering Oilers-Linked Goalies as Bobrovsky's Future Uncertain

The Florida Panthers are reportedly eyeing potential replacements for Sergei Bobrovsky, with Edmonton Oilers connections Stuart Skinner and Connor Ingram emerging as possible candidates in the coming weeks.

Allen Greenberg of Florida Hockey Now suggests that Skinner, who struggled in his one season with the Oilers, could thrive in Florida thanks to the team’s elite defensive structure. Meanwhile, Ingram, who posted a 2.58 GAA and .923 save percentage in 49 games for Edmonton this past season, could offer stability and experience as a pending unrestricted free agent.

Bobrovsky, 38, is entering a pivotal summer. He’s coming off a career-worst season with a 3.15 GAA and .908 save percentage in 54 games, and his agent is reportedly seeking a long-term deal worth at least $8 million annually. His current $10 million cap hit over the past seven years will remain in place until 2029, making a re-signing an expensive proposition for Florida.

The Panthers aren’t the only team in the market. Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes is also expected to re-enter free agency, and though his playoff numbers dipped, he posted a 2.74 GAA and .915 save percentage in the regular season. But with Bobrovsky potentially walking, Florida is looking for a more cost-effective option.

Skinner and Ingram stand out for their affordability. Skinner, 26, has a career .912 save percentage over 115 games, while Ingram, 29, has a .921 mark in 143 games since 2021. Neither is likely to demand more than $4–5 million per season, a stark contrast to Bobrovsky’s expected demands.

The Oilers, meanwhile, are in a tricky spot. They already carry Tristan Jarry at a $5.375 million cap hit for two more seasons and will owe $1.5 million annually through 2029 after buying out Jack Campbell. Adding Bobrovsky would push their goaltending cap hit into the $13–$15 million range, a number GM Stan Bowman likely cannot justify.

For Florida, moving on from Bobrovsky would free up $10 million in cap space. That flexibility becomes increasingly valuable as the Panthers prepare for the 2026-27 season and beyond.

July 1 is the key date. That’s when Bobrovsky hits the market and when Florida must decide whether to keep him, buy out his contract, or pivot toward a new netminder. The Oilers and Hurricanes will also be watching closely, as the goaltending market could shift quickly.

With the deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on Panthers GM Bill Zito to make a move that could reshape the team’s future in net.