History of Sergei Bobrovsky in Timeline

Sergei Bobrovsky is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Florida Panthers of the NHL. Previously with the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets, he's recognized as one of the NHL's top goalies. Bobrovsky is a two-time Vezina Trophy winner (2012-13, 2016-17 with Columbus). In February 2023, he surpassed Evgeni Nabokov for the most wins by a Russian goaltender in NHL history. Bobrovsky won the Stanley Cup with the Panthers in 2024.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1972: 35th Anniversary of 1972 Summit Series

In 2007, Bobrovsky participated in the Super Series, which commemorated the 35th anniversary of the 1972 Summit Series.

October 1986: Ron Hextall's Record

On October 9, 1986 Ron Hextall started as a goalie at 22 years and 159 days old. In October 2010 Bobrovsky eclipsed this record.

1996: Panthers First Series Win Since 1996

In the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Panthers defeated the Washington Capitals, winning their first series since 1996.

2004: Antero Niittymäki's Debut

In 2004, Antero Niittymäki was the last Flyers rookie goaltender to win his NHL debut, prior to Bobrovsky in October 2010.

2006: Considered for NHL Draft

In 2006, the Philadelphia Flyers considered drafting Bobrovsky in the NHL Entry Draft but decided against it due to the challenges of signing Russian players at the time.

2007: Participated in 2007 Super Series

In 2007, Bobrovsky participated in the Super Series, an eight-game series between Canadian and Russian junior teams commemorating the 35th anniversary of the 1972 Summit Series, and he garnered the most ice-time of any goaltender.

2008: World Junior Championships Bronze Medal

At the end of 2007, he played in the 2008 World Junior Championships, backstopping the Russian junior team to a bronze medal.

May 2010: Signs with Philadelphia Flyers

On 6 May 2010, after four seasons with Metallurg Novokuznetsk, Bobrovsky signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. He was initially planned for the AHL's Adirondack Phantoms but made the Flyers' roster after impressing in training camp.

October 2010: NHL Debut and Victory

On 7 October 2010, Peter Laviolette named Bobrovsky the starting goaltender for the opening game of the 2010-11 season, against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Bobrovsky made his NHL debut, securing a 3–2 win and earning first star honors. He became the youngest Flyers goaltender to win a season opener since Ron Hextall in 1986 and the first rookie goaltender to win his NHL debut since Antero Niittymäki in 2004.

August 2011: Marriage to Olga Dorokova

On August 16, 2011, Sergei Bobrovsky married Olga Dorokova.

2011: Worst Stats Since 2011-12

In 2011, Bobrovsky's 3.23 GAA and .900 save percentage in the 2019-20 season were his worst since the 2011-12 season.

June 2012: Traded to Columbus Blue Jackets

On 22 June 2012, Bobrovsky was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for draft picks in the 2012 and 2013 NHL Entry Drafts. Columbus used the 2012 second-round pick to select Anthony Stolarz, the 2012 fourth-round pick to select Taylor Leier and the 2013 fourth-round pick to select Justin Auger.

2012: Signs with SKA Saint Petersburg and Vezina Trophy

In 2012, during the NHL lockout, Bobrovsky signed with SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL but returned to the Blue Jackets when the lockout ended. He became the starting goaltender and achieved career bests, leading to him being awarded the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender.

July 2013: Contract Extension and All-Star Team Selection

On 1 July 2013, Bobrovsky signed a two-year, $11.25 million contract extension with the Blue Jackets. On 3 July 2013, he was named to the NHL first All-Star team.

December 2013: Injury

In December 2013, Bobrovsky was injured in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning and was expected to be out for four-to-five weeks.

2013: NHL Entry Draft

During the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the Phoenix Coyotes' fourth-round pick was used to select Justin Auger.

January 2014: Returns to Action

On 6 January 2014, Bobrovsky returned to action against the New York Rangers, securing a shootout victory. He also made a notable save on Rick Nash.

April 2014: Playoff Game Victories and Elimination

In April 2014, Bobrovsky backstopped the Blue Jackets in the 2014 playoffs. On 19 April 2014, the Blue Jackets won their first playoff game in franchise history in Game 2 of the series, 4–3, followed by their second-ever playoff victory in Game 4. Bobrovsky played well in Game 5, saving 48 of 50 shots, but the Blue Jackets lost the game 3–1. The Blue Jackets were ultimately eliminated in Game 6 on 28 April.

2014: 2014 World Championship Gold Medal

In 2014, Bobrovsky was Russia's starting goaltender in the World Championship. He led Russia to a 5-2 victory against Finland in the final, securing the gold medal.

2014: 2014 Winter Olympics Participation

In 2014, Bobrovsky was selected as one of Russia's goaltenders for the Winter Olympics, sharing net-tending duties with Semyon Varlamov. The Russian team was eliminated from the tournament by Finland after a loss.

May 2015: 2015 World Championship

In May 2015, Sergei Bobrovsky played as the starting goaltender for Russia in the 2015 World Championship. On May 9, 2015, he saved 13 shots, including a penalty shot, against Belarus in the group stage, contributing to a 7–0 victory. On May 16, he made several outstanding saves against the United States in the semifinal, leading Russia to a 4–0 win and earning player of the game with 35 saves. However, on May 17, in the final, he allowed six goals on 37 shots in a 6–1 loss to Canada.

2016: Successful 2016-17 Regular Season

During the 2016-17 season, Bobrovsky achieved significant success, setting a Blue Jackets franchise record for wins by a goaltender and leading the league in multiple goaltending statistics.

2017: 2017-18 Season and Playoff Result

During the 2017-18 season, Bobrovsky's record helped the Blue Jackets reach the playoffs as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. They were eliminated in the first round by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals.

2017: Second Vezina Trophy and Playoff Struggles

In 2017, Bobrovsky was awarded his second Vezina Trophy. However, his playoff performance was poor, resulting in a series loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

July 2019: Signs with Florida Panthers

On 1 July 2019, Bobrovsky signed a seven-year, $70 million contract with the Florida Panthers.

February 2020: 500th NHL Game

On 10 February 2020, Bobrovsky played his 500th NHL game as the Panthers lost to the Philadelphia Flyers.

March 2020: Pledged donation to BB&T Center workers

On March 13, 2020, Sergei Bobrovsky pledged $100,000 to part-time workers of the BB&T Center who were unable to work due to the suspension of the 2019–20 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: 2020-21 Season and Playoff Performance

In 2020, the NHL resumed in a divisional format due to the pandemic. Bobrovsky recorded an improved 19–8–2 record. However, the Panthers were defeated in the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, with Bobrovsky's performance leading to him being replaced by Chris Driedger.

2021: Contract Debate and 2021-22 Season Turnaround

In 2021, after two seasons of disappointing results, Bobrovsky's contract became a subject of debate. However, the 2021-22 season saw a turnaround, with Bobrovsky leading the league in wins as the Panthers won the Presidents' Trophy.

2022: Playoff Success and Contract Concerns

In 2022, the Panthers won their first series since 1996, defeating the Capitals. However, they were swept by the Lightning in the second round. Concerns arose about Bobrovsky's contract and potential trade options.

February 2023: Most Wins for a Russian Goaltender in NHL History

In February 2023, Sergei Bobrovsky surpassed Evgeni Nabokov to achieve the most wins for a Russian goaltender in NHL history.

2023: 2023-24 Season, Stanley Cup Finals and Stanley Cup Victory

During the 2023-24 NHL season, the Panthers excelled defensively. Bobrovsky made a shutout in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Edmonton Oilers, winning 3-0. The panthers would eventually win the Stanley cup. On that day, Bobrovsky became the second player to hoist the cup.

2023: 2022-23 Season and Playoff Run

In 2023, Bobrovsky had a poor start to the season but recovered his form. After Alex Lyon led the team to qualify for the playoffs, Bobrovsky returned as the starting goaltender. He led the Panthers on a remarkable playoff run, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals, where they eventually lost to the Vegas Golden Knights.

October 24, 2024: 400th Career Win

On October 24, 2024, Bobrovsky earned his 400th career win with 24 saves in a 3–1 victory over the New York Rangers, becoming the fastest in NHL history to reach this milestone.