Former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube believes the team should make a strong push to sign goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky when NHL free agency opens. Berube, speaking on TSN's OverDrive on Tuesday, said Bobrovsky could be a game-changer for the Leafs.
Berube endorses Bobrovsky signing
“It definitely could really bolster them,” Berube said. “He’s the type of goalie who could carry a team.” Berube, who will be part of TSN’s free agency panel on Wednesday, acknowledged that Bobrovsky’s age—he turns 38 in September—means he likely cannot handle the same workload as in his prime. However, Berube expressed confidence in Bobrovsky’s preparation and work ethic.
“He’s such a prepared, hard-working guy that I wouldn’t be too worried about his age too much,” Berube added. “He is focused on his job and what he has to do to prepare himself. I think he has game left. If you’re in it to win it, I’m definitely in that conversation to try to get that goalie.”
Historical connection between Berube and Bobrovsky
Berube has firsthand experience with Bobrovsky from their time together with the Philadelphia Flyers. During Bobrovsky’s two seasons with Philadelphia from 2010 to 2012, Berube served as an assistant coach. It was during that period that Bobrovsky began building his reputation as one of the NHL’s most dedicated and finely tuned athletes.
The Leafs currently have goaltenders Anthony Stolarz and Dennis Hildeby under contract. Hildeby will require waivers this season, which could influence roster decisions. Berube noted that Toronto would need to figure out the goaltending combination, but he strongly urged the team to explore signing Bobrovsky.
Leafs in win-now mode
The Leafs have signaled their intent to compete immediately by acquiring defenceman Darren Raddysh in a sign-and-trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning and hiring experienced head coach Jim Hiller. Berube, who was fired by the Leafs on May 13 after two seasons behind the bench, expressed no bitterness about his departure.
“Toronto, there’s a lot of noise and action that goes with it,” Berube said. “I loved it. It’s what you’re in it for. It’s a great experience. I really enjoyed my time in Toronto. I know things didn’t go well last year, but that’s the way it goes sometimes and you get let go. But to me, there is nothing better than to be in that action and noise every day—hockey, hockey, hockey.”
Berube’s endorsement adds weight to speculation that the Maple Leafs could pursue Bobrovsky when free agency begins. The veteran goaltender has a Stanley Cup championship with the Florida Panthers in 2024 and has consistently performed at a high level throughout his career.
