Nylander Backs Bobrovsky as Maple Leafs Target Stanley Cup

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has welcomed the arrival of veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky as the team pursues a Stanley Cup title following a major offseason roster overhaul. Toronto signed the two-time champion to a three-year, $21 million contract after he failed to reach an extension agreement with the Florida Panthers, adding postseason experience as the franchise seeks its first championship since 1967.

According to The Athletic, Nylander identified Bobrovsky as his favorite offseason addition, citing the goalie's championship record and importance to his former teams. The 38-year-old netminder joined Toronto after spending seven seasons with Florida, helping the Panthers reach three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and win two championships.

Bobrovsky has also won the Vezina Trophy twice as the NHL's top goaltender. His previous teams include the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets, while his postseason history includes two runs in which he played a significant role in eliminating Toronto.

Discussing the new roster, Nylander highlighted the significance of acquiring a goaltender with Bobrovsky's track record.

"I mean, I think we've got so many good ones, but I love (Sergei Bobrovsky) there. Like we've got so many good guys, I was just excited about all of them. But obviously bringing in a goalie that's won two Cups and has been like, the guy, that's obviously pretty big," Nylander said, according to The Athletic.

Nylander also expressed confidence in the team's overall direction following the changes made under general manager John Chayka.

"I think we've got a pretty good squad," Nylander said. "I'm feeling pretty good. I think between the coaches and everything, everything feels really good."

Toronto's offseason moves followed a disappointing 2025-26 campaign that raised questions about whether the franchise would rebuild or reshape its roster around established stars Auston Matthews and Nylander. According to Yardbarker's account of Nylander's interview with The Athletic, the winger welcomed management's decision to pursue immediate competitiveness rather than begin a prolonged rebuilding process.

Nylander, 30, is in the third season of the eight-year, $92 million contract extension he signed in 2024. He recorded six points, including three goals and three assists, through Toronto's first four games of the 2026-27 season, according to Yardbarker.

Explaining why the team's direction mattered to him, Nylander emphasized his desire to compete for a championship during the remaining prime years of his career.

"Yeah, for sure. I'm happy. If it would've been a rebuild, I wouldn't have wasted what I believe to be my next six good years here… Honestly, it all comes down to winning.

When we had (that) conversation, that's what I talked about and that's what I want to do. I know that there is potential there, and a lot of (the new) guys have been through some of the same stuff over the past couple years. You got those characters too.

That's very important as well," Nylander said, according to The Athletic.

The revamped roster also includes forward Nick Paul and defenseman Darren Raddysh, both acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning, as well as Gavin McKenna and Kirill Marchenko, according to Yardbarker. Toronto's management has opted to add established talent rather than embark on a rebuild.

Bobrovsky's early-season results have yet to produce a win, despite a strong individual performance against Vegas. TSN reported that he stopped 40 shots to help Toronto secure a point in the game, remaining winless on the season at that stage.

Defenseman Chris Tanev praised the goaltender's contribution, particularly during the closing stages of the contest.

"He gave us a chance in overtime and the shootout," Tanev said. "So obviously we want to get a win for him badly."

Toronto is seeking its first Stanley Cup since 1967 and its first trip to the third round of the playoffs since 2002, according to the Yahoo Sports report. Bobrovsky's arrival gives the team a goaltender with two championship victories as it attempts to translate its offseason changes into postseason success.