Welp, Sergei Bobrovsky's situation doesn't sound all that great.
Entering the final season of his contract, the two-time Vezina Trophy winner has had limited if not unproductive discussions with the Blue Jackets on a new deal. Some reports have suggested that Bobrovsky will look for a contract similar to Carey Price's 10-year, $84 million deal with the Montreal Canadiens – but that term isn't something the Blue Jackets will entertain.
And now, this:
Bobrovsky says "We'll see'" when asked if he'll be with #CBJ after this season. Says management knows what his plans are for this season and future and he won't talk contract during season
— Craig Merz (@icer12) September 13, 2018
If management knows his plans and they still haven't had any momentum, well, it's hard not to read between the lines. Bobrovsky and his agent, Paul Theofanous, have tangled with the Blue Jackets on a couple of occasions since he arrived in Columbus six years ago. There has always seemed to be a significant difference of opinion between the two camps, as negotiations were long, tedious and at times contentious.
It sure sounds like Bobrovsky is in the midst of his final season with the Blue Jackets.
#CBJ Bobrovsky: "After the last season, I told the situation to the management of the Blue Jackets, so they know everything. They know my plans for the season. They know my plans for the future. They know everything.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) September 13, 2018
Asked what those plans are, Bobrovsky: You have to ask them."
On the surface, it's a shame it's come to this. Two star players in their primes have been so integral to the Blue Jackets – at key positions and in key roles – and now, their situations have become public material on the eve of training camp.
The Blue Jackets don't have a choice other than to keep Bobrovsky through the season. They can ill afford to pin their postseason hopes on Joonas Korpisalo and the trade market is almost non-existent at this point in the hockey calendar; they'll likely ride this out and hope Bobrovsky has a solid year before they make a decision down the road.
But right now, though, it's a definite bummer.
