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SUNRISE, Fla. — The night after Sergei Bobrovsky recorded one of his five shutouts during the 2024-25 Florida Panthers season, a notable interaction unfolded between him and teammate Nate Schmidt. Bobrovsky approached Schmidt, expressed gratitude, and surprised him with a handwritten note alongside a bottle of wine. This heartfelt gesture is part of Bobrovsky’s unique tradition following each shutout.

Every time Bobrovsky achieves a shutout, the Panthers’ trainer selects two players’ jersey numbers from a box held by him. The lucky recipients win a bottle of wine and a personalized note. Bobrovsky considers his wine gift a small token of appreciation for the hard work his teammates put in to support him during games.

The first raffle for the 2025-26 season took place after Bobrovsky’s shutout against the Vegas Golden Knights, where he made 17 saves in a 3-0 win. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded an impressive 11 shutouts, ranking behind only Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, who recently clinched prestigious awards.

Bobrovsky’s wine gifting tradition was inspired by former New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, known for having his wine lottery during his playing days. Since Bobrovsky adopted this practice nearly three years ago, it has become a cherished custom among his teammates.

While the raffle covers all players, Bobrovsky’s selected wines have included brands like The Prisoner and Caymus Vineyards, both highly regarded names from Napa Valley. Teammates appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the gesture, noting that it fosters camaraderie and enhances team spirit.

Bobrovsky’s wine tradition mirrors his continued excellence on the ice. After a rocky start to his time with the Panthers, where he struggled to achieve shutouts early in his tenure, Bobrovsky’s performance has drastically improved. He played a pivotal role in the Panthers’ back-to-back championship victories, securing five shutouts in six playoff series.

His growing success has made him a beloved figure in the locker room. Teammates praise Bobrovsky’s generosity and the fun he adds to team culture through his wine raffles. Even though the coaching staff isn’t included in this tradition, the team recognizes the thoughtful nature behind Bobrovsky’s choices.

As he continues to solidify his legacy in the NHL, his gifts are effectively stocking teammates’ cellars, cementing even deeper relationships within the Florida Panthers organization.