With Sergei Bobrovsky almost certain to hit free agency on July 1, he’ll be one of the most attractive names on the market. There will be many teams at least inquiring about Bobrovsky and it’s likely that we’ll see a bidding war between a few teams, if Bobrovsky isn’t set on Florida. The New York Islanders shouldn’t be one of those teams bidding.
Despite Bobrovsky’s resume, which includes two Vezina trophies, he’ll command a contract that consists of significant term and a high AAV. Bobrovsky could represent a case of long-term investment for immediate and short-term gain. You have to expect a seven-year deal for Bobrovsky, who will be 31 before the start of next season, with money similar to Carey Price’s $10.5 million AAV. That’s a high number for sure but especially after finally meeting expectations in the playoffs, you have to expect at least one team out there is willing to offer that deal.
Signing Bobrovsky means that you’re betting that the Islanders are legitimate contenders to win a cup in the next three, maybe four years. It’s possible but with the Islanders starting to move towards a younger core, it’s a bit of a questionable move to make. You have to expect when Bobrovsky is 34 or 35, his last few seasons aren’t going to be his best. It shrinks the window for how long the Islanders can look to contend for. In turn, a five-year deal for Lehner would be more cap-friendly and would keep him under contract right up until his play may start to decline. If Bobrovsky comes to New York, it’s all but certain that we see Lehner, a Vezina nominee likely entering his prime, take his talents elsewhere.
We have no idea what Sorokin will become but all signs point to him turning into a very good goalie in the NHL. We also know that Lehner can be a crucial part of the Islanders’ success. Though Bobrovsky may be an exciting name, this is a situation where New York could instead use their cap dollars to make a splash for forwards in free agency and hopefully carry a tandem of Lehner and Sorokin for years to come.
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