Why the Philadelphia Flyers should stay away from Sergei Bobrovsky

The former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender has obvious high-end talent, but the cost and recent behavior should be enough to keep the team away.

With recent news breaking that former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Sergei Bobvrosky was not with the Columbus Blue Jackets for their away game against the Nashville Predators on Thursday, immediate trade speculation came to front.

Bobrovsky’s name was already listed 20th on TSN’s Trade Bait List and this only added more fuel to the fire. With the way the Blue Jackets worded the news, it seems like this was more of a suspension than anything else. Columbus might not want that type of behavior in their locker room any longer and could try to get something for him given his possible departure in free agency this offseason.

How all of this pertains to the Flyers, despite the fact Bobrovsky used to wear the Orange and Black uniform, is their desperate need for a reliable, veteran goaltender. Brain Elliott and Michal Neuvirth haven’t shown the ability to stay healthy and the team needs someone to pair with Carter Hart as he develops through the years.

It’s possible that someone could still be found in house with guy like Anthony Stolarz, who has looked very solid at times in the NHL. Though, it’s been reported that General Manager Chuck Fletcher is currently seeking a goaltender on the trade market.

Pertaining to Bobrovsky, I think Fletcher should steer clear. There’s only speculation on whether or not Columbus wants to trade him and I doubt they’d give him up for cheap. My guess is they would ask for a package built around Hart in return if a trade were to be made, which is too much to hand over in my opinion. Bobrovsky has a full no trade clause, too, and definitely wouldn’t approve a move back to Philly this season. There is the possibility of signing him this offseason but again, he won’t come cheap.

I’d be very skeptical of giving a guy like Bobrovsky a big contract given his play in the postseason. He’s never had a Goals-Against Average lower than three or a save percentage above .910 during his career in the NHL playoffs. The recent failure to meet Columbus’ expectations and values as a team is a decent red flag, as well. It can be argued that this Flyers team needs more leadership added to their locker room. I’m not sure if Bob would bring that in his return to Philadelphia or he’d be willing to play in a mentor type role with Hart at any given point, either.

For these reasons, Fletcher should stay away from Bobrovsky and find another option somewhere else. It’d be nice to see him in back in a Flyers jersey because of his talent level, but the cost will be at too much of a premium for a team with plenty of current needs on their roster.