{"id":465276,"date":"2026-02-21T02:53:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T02:53:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/465276\/"},"modified":"2026-02-21T02:53:02","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T02:53:02","slug":"any-truth-to-canadiens-and-bobrovsky-trade-rumors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/465276\/","title":{"rendered":"Any Truth to Canadiens and Bobrovsky Trade Rumors?"},"content":{"rendered":"

An interesting rumor popped up this week linking the Montreal Canadiens to goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a>. While the Florida Panthers might not be playoff-bound and the Canadiens could potentially use an upgrade in goal, this is not the kind of blockbuster trade buzz that goes unreported if true.<\/p>\n

This would be a whopper if true. So, after seeing the rumor, I did some digging and found a handful of reports suggesting the Canadiens have trade interest in Bobrovsky. Assuming the Panthers become sellers at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, I could see why someone is throwing this out there to see if it might gain traction. I can also tell you that anything I found primarily stems from NHL rumor sites and X posts, with varying degrees of credibility.<\/p>\n

All accounts are speculative, while others reference \u201cinsider\u201d sources and don\u2019t name names. I couldn\u2019t find any of the big guns mentioning it, and my sources (yes, I do have a few) don\u2019t have it on their radar.<\/p>\n

That doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s impossible or that there won\u2019t come a time over the next two weeks when this idea gets floated around, but for now, this sounds like little more than fluff. Note that Bobrovsky has a 16-team no-trade clause and is a pending UFA after this season, which could complicate any deal.<\/p>\n

Recent Trade Rumors Linking Bobrovsky to Montreal<\/p>\n

A February 19, 2026, one report claims the Canadiens are \u201call in\u201d on Bobrovsky if Florida sells, breaking down potential salary retention (e.g., Florida retaining 50% to make his $10M cap hit more manageable) and a hypothetical trade package involving prospects or picks. <\/p>\n

On February 16, 2026, X posted an anonymous NHL insider stating that preliminary talks had occurred between the Panthers and Canadiens (along with the Oilers) regarding Bobrovsky. They, of course, say it\u2019s contingent on Florida falling out of playoff contention. This came from an account that is widely known to be inaccurate. <\/p>\n

The most logical report I uncovered was in a January 29, 2026, article that identifies Bobrovsky as a \u201cviable target\u201d for the Canadiens this offseason to address their goaltending needs. There\u2019s no mention of a trade being discussed, nor suggestions that anything is imminent. This is simply Bobrovsky being mentioned among the names the Canadiens might want to consider. Understandably so. <\/p>\n

Denials and Counter-Reports<\/p>\n

A February 17, 2026, X post from a sports reporter denies the rumors, stating that sources confirm there are no inquiries from Montreal and that Bobrovsky\u2019s camp has no interest in waiving his NMC for a move there. Interestingly, this account seems about as reputable as the accounts claiming there\u2019s something in the works. Take it with a grain of salt.<\/p>\n

\"SergeiSergei Bobrovsky Panthers 400 wins<\/p>\n

Another X post from February 18, 2026, dismisses the idea of Bobrovsky being traded at all, without specifically addressing Montreal. Again, this is just someone commenting on the original thread, more likely voicing their opinion as a Panthers fan. <\/p>\n

Older or Less Direct Links<\/p>\n

For historical context, there are older mentions, but they don\u2019t indicate current connections:<\/p>\n

A September 2022 X post proposed a hypothetical trade between the Canadiens and Panthers involving Bobrovsky. Clearly, nothing materialized. <\/p>\n

A 2019 rumor roundup from Lyle Richardson of Spector\u2019s Hockey speculated on Bobrovsky as a \u201csign-and-trade\u201d candidate but didn\u2019t link him to Montreal specifically. Admittedly, back in January of 2019, I mentioned Bobrovsky in a trade article when he was with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He wasn\u2019t dealt, but he left the team as a UFA that summer.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, no one who is saying Bobrovsky is linked to the Canadiens would be considered an official NHL source. So too, no one from top-tier outlets like TSN, Sportsnet, ESPN, or NHL.com have any mentions of this being a real thing. <\/p>\n

Now, if Florida\u2019s situation worsens, more chatter involving the goaltender may pop up. Bobrovsky is a UFA and would make for an intriguing rental. One has to assume teams will kick tires over the next two weeks.<\/p>\n

Next: Metropolitan Division Surprise Stands Out as Fit for Arber Xhekaj<\/a><\/p>\n

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