About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former NHL general manager Brian Burke has pushed back against growing criticism of Sergei Bobrovsky following the goaltender's difficult start with the Toronto Maple Leafs .
Speaking on Leafs Morning Take, Burke urged fans to show patience after a few disappointing performances. Bobrovsky arrived in Toronto on a three-year, $21 million contract following consecutive Stanley Cup wins with Florida.
The 38-year-old has struggled to meet expectations, drawing attention from Toronto's demanding fan base. However, Burke said the reaction has come too early.
"I think it's really early to start doubting Sergei Bobrovsky," Burke said. "He had a couple tough games. Even there, he had some great saves in those games."
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Burke acknowledged that Bobrovsky allowed some soft goals but rejected the suggestion that he played poorly overall, saying, "I still don't think he played poorly."
He also questioned the urgency surrounding Toronto's goaltending situation.
"The marketplace in Toronto. Sergei Bobrovsky has two bad games, and they [fans] be like, 'Oh, they need a new goalie. They wasted all this money on this guy.' God damn it, it's quick," Burke said.
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) spits water into the air at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The former general manager said Toronto's bigger concern involves the age and durability of its goaltenders.
"The issue is the age of both goaltenders," Burke said.
He pointed to Anthony Stolarz, who provides a strong option but also carries injury concerns.
"Anthony Stolarz is a real good player, but he's 35 or 36. He's big. He's going to get hurt again," Burke said.
That concern highlights Toronto's difficult position. The Maple Leafs need both veterans available if they want reliable goaltending throughout the season.
"That's a problem for them staying healthy, but I like it," Burke said. "They're both healthy. They're fine. That's amazing."
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Bobrovsky's early numbers have raised questions, but replacing him would be premature. Toronto invested heavily in his experience and championship background.
The team must give him time to adjust while managing Stolarz's workload. Meanwhile, Burke's message is clear that two difficult games should not define a veteran goaltender's season.
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Source: Sports
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