5. Sergei Bobrovsky got his first taste of being the number one goalie this last season in Columbus, and he came up bigger than anyone expected. Bobrovsky earned his first Vezina Trophy with a record of 21-11-6 and 4 shutouts. He posted a goals against average of 2.00 and a save percentage of .932.
Bobrovsky’s excellent positioning and athleticism make him one of the best in the games. He nearly carried the Blue Jackets into the playoffs. Columbus won 8 of their last 9 games, during that stretch, Bobrovsky surrendered only 3 goals only twice. The Blue Jackets traded Steve Mason to the Flyers and brought in Michael Leighton. Leighton went to free agency after the season, and the back up position is assumed to be left to Curtis McElhinney.
Bobrovsky will be looking to have another great season, and push the Blue Jackets into the playoffs. He has earned his two year deal that will pay him $5 million this season, and $6.25 million next season.