Sergei Bobrovsky Debuts a New Maple Leafs Mask in First Pre‑Season Start

When the Toronto Maple Leafs hit the ice for their preseason split‑squad game at Scotiabank Arena, all eyes weren’t just on the puck – they were glued to Sergei Bobrovsky’s brand‑new mask, fresh off the Instagram reveal by artist David Gunnarsson.

Gunnarsson, who goes by @daveart online, described his creation as a tribute to “the powerful Archangel Michael,” set against a gritty brick‑wall backdrop that gives the whole thing an old‑school hockey vibe. The iconic Maple Leafs logo sits front and centre, wrapped in layers of blue, white and a handful of hidden details that only the most observant fans will spot.

Bobrovsky kept the explanation simple. “It’s the Leafs logo, the Archangel Michael,” he said with a grin. “I’m Orthodox, I believe in God – it feels like a sky‑warrior thing for me.”

In the game itself, the veteran net‑minder looked comfortable, turning aside 11 shots before Anthony Stolarz slipped in for the second period. The only goal he allowed came at the 51‑second mark of the second, a tight‑angle finish by Canadiens centre Phillip Danault that gave Montreal a 1‑0 lead.

Toronto eventually fell 4‑1, but Bobrovsky’s individual numbers were solid. On the night of his 38th birthday, he stopped all eight shots in the first period, including a couple of one‑timers from defenseman Reilly Walsh.

Auston Matthews, the Leafs captain, could barely contain his excitement. “It’s an absolute treat,” he told reporters. “Signing Sergei, hearing his stories, seeing his focus – it’s incredibly impressive. I couldn’t be happier to have him on our side.”

Bobrovsky, who inked a three‑year, US$21 million deal in July, felt the energy in the building was “great.” He added, “The guys did a good job keeping the shots to the outside. We’re building chemistry, good vibes… I’ll keep working.”

The mask, with its blend of faith, power and legacy, may just become a new fan favourite – a visual reminder that the Leafs’ net‑front is now guarded by a true sky‑warrior.