Sergei Bobrovsky joins Toronto Maple Leafs after Florida contract dispute

Sergei Bobrovsky chose to sign a three-year, $7 million annual average value contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs rather than remaining with the Florida Panthers, according to recent reports.

Despite being willing to accept a pay cut to stay in Florida, negotiations stalled over contract terms. The Panthers offered a two-year deal worth $6 million per season, but Bobrovsky requested a full no-trade clause. Florida General Manager Bill Zito was only willing to provide a partial no-trade clause, whereas Toronto General Manager John Chayka immediately agreed to the player's terms.

Following Bobrovsky's departure, the Florida Panthers signed Jacob Markstrom to a two-year, $6 million per season deal to bolster their goaltending roster.