The Florida Panthers are heading into NHL free agency with a critical question mark in net—and it's a storyline that has the entire organization holding its breath.

When the Panthers wrapped up their season with a win over the Detroit Red Wings about a month ago, the first big question directed at star forward Matthew Tkachuk was about goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Tkachuk didn't mince words: he wants Bobrovsky back. So does captain Sasha Barkov. And, just as importantly, so does general manager Bill Zito.

"It is sincerely the hope, honestly the hope, yeah," Zito said last month. "He has meant quite a bit. The work ethic is infamous, the professionalism, the leadership. If you have occasion to meet him, he is a wonderful human being with a great sense of humor, a very funny guy, and a good, caring, considerate teammate."

Barkov echoed that sentiment with even more passion. "There is not a single person in South Florida who wants him gone from here," the captain said. "He is a loved teammate, everyone loves him, loves to play in front of him, loves to battle for him, loves seeing him every day at the rink. So, it's tough to even imagine that there could be a chance we see him go. Everyone wants him to stay. He is a big piece of what we have done here on and off the ice. I'm sure everyone is doing everything possible to make him stay."

But here's the reality check: right now, the Panthers don't have a single goalie under contract for next season. Both Bobrovsky and backup Daniil Tarasov are set to hit the open market. And while reports suggest the two sides are far apart on both money and contract length, the prevailing belief around the league is that a deal can still get done.

Bobrovsky himself told Florida Hockey Now back in February that he has no desire to go anywhere. But with free agency looming, the clock is ticking.

This situation also marks a fascinating moment for the Panthers' newly formed department of goaltending. Headed by Hall of Famer Roberto Luongo, with esteemed goalie coach Francois Allaire and longtime Florida goalie coach Robb Tallas rounding out the brain trust, this group may have its first real test: finding the team a starter. Luongo, you may recall, retired just days before the Panthers signed Bobrovsky to that massive seven-year, $70 million deal. Now, the torch may be passed—or the legend may be extended.

For Panthers fans, this is a summer of high stakes and even higher hopes. The net is wide open, but the heart of the team wants it filled with the same face that's been there all along.