Former Columbus Blue Jackets Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky Nominated For The Vezina Trophy

Former Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky was today named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, the league has announced. This is Bobrovsky's 6th Vezina nomination. 

Bobrovsky, now 35, previously won two Vezina's with the CBJ in 2013 and 2017. Bobrovsky started 369 games for the Jackets, going 213-130-27 with a save % of .931. He also has 33 shutouts and led the Jackets to a sweep against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019. He would famously leave Columbus after that season to join Florida, signing a 7-year, $70,000,000 deal with the Panthers. His $10 million AAV is not something the Columbus Blue Jackets wanted on their books, so they let him walk. Reports recently surfaced that Bobrovsky refused to let the Blue Jackets trade him before he became a UFA, which handcuffed the Jackets front office. 

For the Florida Panthers, he had a very good year in 2023-24. Bob finished with a record of 36-17-4 with a save % of .915. He chipped in 6 shutouts as well.

According to an NHL press release, Bobrovsky "co-led the League in shutouts, tied for third in wins, ranked third in GAA and posted a .900-or-better save percentage in 37 starts, second in the NHL to fellow Vezina finalist Connor Hellebuyck. His 14-1-1 stretch from Dec. 23 to Feb. 20 (2.22 GAA, .922 save %) lifted the Panthers from third place to first in the Atlantic en route to the club's division title."

Sergei Bobrovsky is also the first Vezina finalist for the Panthers since Roberto Luongo in 2003-04. 

Sergei Bobrovsky is the best goalie in Blue Jackets history, but his exit is clouded in controversy with many blaming both him and former GM Jarmo Kekäläinen for the mess at the end of his Columbus career. 

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