If the Columbus Blue Jackets can't come to terms on an extension for netminder Sergei Bobrovsky, the New York Islanders are rumored to be keenly interested in acquiring his rights in a trade prior to the end of this season.
While it can't be confirmed Bobrovsky has other plans that don't include the Blue Jackets, recent rumblings suggest he's considering a future outside of the organization once this coming NHL season closes. He's publicly asked the media not to inquire about his future as it pertains to this contract status and he's said the Blue Jackets have been detailed on what he expects this season and afterward. If wBobrovsky's plans don't include re-signing in Columbus, the Islanders want in.
NHL insider Darren Dreger said during an interview on Ottawa’s TSN 1200 he believes the Blue Jackets don't want to move their No. 1 goaltender but if he's not going to stick around, they may not have much choice. He'll be a valuable asset in trade and Dreger already has it on good authority the New York Islanders could be “keenly interested.”
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Dreger added that the Islanders “have been searching for a goaltender that can be a difference-maker for quite some time.” They've been nothing short of embarrassing when it comes to their netminding situation and scrambling to find a consistent No. 1 guy. Bobrovsky would be the best goaltender the team has had in years.
Rumors are Bobrovsky wants to be paid as well if not better than Carey Price. While the Blue Jackets might have issues with that, the Islanders likely wouldn't and Dreger believes even if the team can't acquire him in trade, they'd certainly try to sign him in free agency, potentially costing them more than if they owned his rights.
Ideally, for Columbus, Bobrovsky chooses to stay put. Should he want to test the market, he'll have plenty of interested parties, led by the Islanders.