Groups within the NHL have been buying and selling for over a century at this level. So, the title of the “worst” in league historical past is difficult to acquire. However the double whammy of the Philadelphia Flyers‘ Sergei Bobrovsky commerce may simply take the cake.
On June 22, 2012, the Flyers dealt Bobrovsky to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 2012 second-round decide (Anthony Stolarz), a 2012 fourth-round decide (Taylor Leier), and a 2013 fourth-round decide (traded). What makes this deal such a calamity?
Who Is Bobrovsky? Why Did the Flyers Commerce Him?
Manner again when, Bobrovsky was an undrafted free agent whom the Flyers took an opportunity on. He was terrific within the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) between the ages of 20 and 21, posting a cumulative .923 save proportion and a couple of.62 goals-against regardless of a 15–38–5 file.
Whereas the Flyers reached the 2010 Stanley Cup Last, their largest weak spot was goaltending. Relying on Michael Leighton, a third-string journeyman, within the final two rounds of the postseason, they wanted an improve. Taking part in 54 contests for the dominant 2010–11 Flyers (third place within the NHL standings), Bobrovsky actually lived as much as that expectation.
As a rookie, Bobrovsky put up a .915 save proportion, 2.59 goals-against common, and a 28–13–8 file in Philadelphia. These are unbelievable numbers for somebody his age—indicative of a future star. Nevertheless, a disappointing playoff run, which noticed him lose his beginning job in Spherical 1, led to the group rethinking issues a bit.
In a Cup window, the Flyers felt they didn’t have time to take care of the ups and downs of a younger goalie. So, they supplied a contract to the very best man in the marketplace: Ilya Bryzgalov. Signing a nine-year deal price $51 million in complete worth, the writing was on the wall for Bobrovsky. Not desirous to be a backup for 9 years, he rapidly demanded a commerce.
The Bobrovsky Commerce: Detrimental and Insulting
Right here’s the place issues get dangerous for the Flyers. In 2011–12, Bryzgalov and Bobrovsky shared the crease, however 57 begins belonged to the $51 million man. He had a .909 save proportion, 2.48 goals-against common, and a 33–16–7 file. The postseason was fairly discouraging, with a .887 save proportion throughout 11 video games, however Philadelphia was dedicated to the high-paid veteran. Bobrovsky was dealt to Columbus in the summertime.
Associated: Flyers’ 2011 Offseason Has Triggered Years of Misfortune
From that time ahead, the Flyers’ franchise hasn’t been the identical—and neither have the goalies. The 2012–13 marketing campaign noticed Bobrovsky win the Vezina Trophy because the league’s greatest netminder, posting a .932 save proportion throughout 38 video games within the shortened season. Bryzgalov, in the meantime, performed 40 video games and had a .900 save proportion, resulting in Philadelphia lacking the playoffs for the primary time since 2006–07. The remaining seven years of his contract have been purchased out on June 25, 2013.
Let’s transfer all the best way as much as the current. Bobrovsky has two Vezina Trophies and two Stanley Cups to his title. He could also be 37 years of age, however he’s removed from “washed.” These championship wins got here at ages 35 and 36, the truth is, and he was the primary goaltender to file a victory in 2025–26.
Then, you could have the Flyers. Earlier than the Bobrovsky commerce, they have been one of many league’s mannequin franchises: eight Stanley Cup Last appearances and solely eight playoff misses in 44 seasons. However since shifting on from the longer term Corridor of Famer, they’ve missed the playoffs 9 occasions in 13 seasons and have only a single sequence victory to their title. Philadelphia has not hosted a second-round postseason recreation for the reason that transfer.
Even over 13 years later, the Flyers are feeling the double whammy of all of it. First, Bobrovsky is chasing his third consecutive championship ring with the Florida Panthers. Second, Bryzgalov remains to be receiving checks from Philadelphia to not play for his or her group—the buyout penalty runs by way of 2027. Lastly, final season, the Flyers posted the NHL’s worst group save proportion of the twenty first century: .879, in keeping with QuantHockey.
The Bobrovsky commerce is the worst in league historical past as a result of it has marked the downfall of a once-great franchise. Younger stars Matvei Michkov and Porter Martone might assist the group return to its glory days, however for now, this choice continues to hang-out the Flyers.
