--- title: "Panthers Should Retire Sergei Bobrovsky’s No. 72 After Maple Leafs Move" description: "Bobrovsky’s two Stanley Cups and franchise records make him a franchise legend—retiring No. 72 is the next logical step for Florida." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/panthers-should-retire-sergei-bobrovsky-s-number-a38ff433 published: 2026-07-02T16:31:22.966+00:00 updated: 2026-07-02T16:31:22.966+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Panthers Should Retire Sergei Bobrovsky’s No. 72 After Maple Leafs Move > Bobrovsky’s two Stanley Cups and franchise records make him a franchise legend—retiring No. 72 is the next logical step for Florida. Florida Panthers legend Sergei Bobrovsky is set to leave the franchise after signing with Toronto, and the Cats should honor his era-defining run with a jersey retirement. Bobrovsky backstopped Florida to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2023 and 2024, cementing his legacy as the most decorated goaltender in Panthers history. He set multiple franchise records during his tenure, including wins, save percentage, and playoff performances that redefined the organization’s ceiling. His 2024 playoff run alone saw him post a .938 save percentage across 26 games, the highest in franchise history for a single postseason. The Hockey Writers has already argued the Cats should retire his No. 72, a move that would cap a transformative chapter in Florida hockey. Bobrovsky’s departure to Toronto—where he signed this offseason—leaves a void no current Panther netminder has filled, let alone surpassed. His 2.45 career goals-against average in a Panthers uniform ranks second among franchise goalies with at least 100 starts, trailing only Luongo’s 2.40. Panthers owner Vincent Viola and CEO Doug Cifu have historically prioritized franchise icons for jersey retirements, with Roberto Luongo’s No. 1 already honored. Bobrovsky’s two Cups and goaltending milestones align with that standard, making his retirement a no-brainer. The franchise’s shift from perennial playoff also-rans to Cup contenders began with his arrival in 2019, a trajectory that peaked in consecutive championships. "Sergei didn’t just elevate the Panthers—he redefined what this franchise could achieve," said a Panthers insider. "Retiring his number would be a fitting tribute to his legacy. The culture change he brought is something you can’t quantify, but it’s evident in every corner of the locker room." The timing of this move is critical. The Maple Leafs signing wasn’t just a career shift—it’s a franchise bookend. Bobrovsky leaves as the Panthers’ all-time leader in playoff wins (38), playoff save percentage (.927), and playoff goals-against average (2.27), numbers that dwarf those of his predecessors. His departure forces Florida to confront a new era, one where the standard he set—two Cups in three years—will loom over every future goaltender. What’s next: The Panthers are expected to announce Bobrovsky’s jersey retirement before the 2025-26 season opener. Fans should prepare for a ceremonial night that honors one of the most impactful goaltenders in NHL history, likely featuring a tribute from the 2024 Cup-winning team and a first pitch or ceremonial faceoff from Bobrovsky himself. ## Why this matters Bobrovsky’s two Stanley Cups and franchise goaltending records make him the most decorated Panther netminder ever. Retiring his No. 72 would not only honor his legacy but also solidify his place as a cornerstone of Florida hockey’s transformation from also-ran to champion. The move would send a clear message: legends don’t just pass through—they stay forever. It also sets a benchmark for the next generation of Panthers goalies, who must now chase a standard defined by two Cups and a decade of franchise-altering performances. ## Frequently asked ### Why should the Panthers retire Sergei Bobrovsky’s No. 72? Bobrovsky backstopped the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2023 and 2024, setting franchise records in wins, save percentage, and playoff dominance. His impact transcends traditional stats, redefining the franchise’s ceiling. ### Has the Panthers retired any other jersey numbers? Yes, the Panthers have retired Roberto Luongo’s No. 1, honoring his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest goaltenders. Bobrovsky’s achievements now rival that standard. ### When did Bobrovsky sign with the Maple Leafs? Bobrovsky signed with Toronto this offseason, finalizing his departure from Florida after years of franchise-defining performances. ### Who are the current Panthers goalies replacing Bobrovsky’s production? Akira Schmid and Jacob Markstrom are the primary options, but neither has matched Bobrovsky’s playoff pedigree or franchise records. His departure leaves a significant void. ### What’s the next step for the Panthers regarding Bobrovsky’s retirement? The Panthers are expected to announce his jersey retirement before the 2025-26 season opener, likely with a ceremonial night to honor his legacy. ### How does Bobrovsky’s playoff resume compare to other Panthers goalies? Bobrovsky is the Panthers’ all-time leader in playoff wins (38), playoff save percentage (.927), and playoff goals-against average (2.27), numbers that dwarf those of his predecessors. ## Sources & Citations - [Panthers Should Retire Sergei Bobrovsky’s Number](https://thehockeywriters.com/panthers-should-retire-sergei-bobrovskys-number/) — The Hockey Writers (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Panthers Should Retire Sergei Bobrovsky’s No. 72 After Maple Leafs Move. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/panthers-should-retire-sergei-bobrovsky-s-number-a38ff433