Thread: Phoenix trades Ilya Bryzgalov's rights to Philadelphia...

Oh happy day!
best news of the offseason so far!

I have a really hard time believing this is true for at least a few reasons. One, 8 to 10 years at $7M to $8M for a 30 year old goalie who really hasn't proven himself as a starter in the postseason is not really logical from anybody's standpoint. Two, I don't think the Flyers would have traded even a 7th rounder or a 4th liner if they knew that is what he wanted. Three, I just don't see Bryz demanding that kind of money, he's smarter than that. And even four, last I heard before yesterday, my understanding was that he liked where he was at in Arizona with the Yotes but they just can't sign anyone to a long-term deal with their financial situation.


Coyotes make right move with Bryzgalov (FS Arizona)

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Bryzgalov's agent, Ritch Winter, would not comment publicly on the deal until he could speak with Bryzgalov, who was fast asleep in Russia when the news broke. But an NHL source said Bryzgalov and Winter were seeking a deal that would make Bryzgalov one of the league's top paid players: an eight- to 10-year deal for an annual salary in the $7 million to $8 million range.

If Bryzgalov can shake that money out of the Flyers' tree, more power to him. There's nothing wrong with trying.

Philadelphia has been desperate for goaltending help since Ron Hextall retired, and Bryzgalov is arguably the most coveted NHL free agent at any position this season.

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These 'trade for rights' deals don't always work out. Look at Hamhuis last year. Just because a team bargains for the rights does not guarantee signing. They have to put some sort of limit into play on these because who is to say that a player/team don't have some sort of agreement in place for the player to re-sign and they dangle him out there so they can bilk a team for a prospect/pick. And before you toss a tinfoil hat atop my dome, while it's a little different, look at St Loo when they traded Tkachuck to Atlanta...it was the worst kept secret that they were all but guaranteed to re-sign him in the off-season. That being said, gawd I do not want Bryz on Philly.

As much as I hate the guy and his Kenny G rat face, I'd love to see Hartnell in a Kings jersey.

Bryzgalov’s agent speaks his mind, attacks Tweeters (Flyer Files)

Here are excerpts from my conversation with Ritch Winter, the agent for Ilya Bryzgalov, today:

He’s excited about Philadelphia for multiple reasons. He likes what the team has to offer on the ice and he’s also a big American history fan. So I’m sure he’ll be delving into the likes of Benjamin Franklin and many others. When I first mentioned Philadelphia as a possibility to him I was surprised at the depth of knowledge he has of the city. He surprised me on multiple occasions.

The second thing I’ll say is that any reference to contractual negotiations or discussions with the Philadelphia Flyers, whether it’s the term he’s looking for or the amount, I’ll say for the record will be a complete fabrication because the only people privy to those conversations are Ilya, myself and his wife. Our intention is to always have those conversations with the Flyers and Flyers only.

The reason I’m mentioning it is because I’m being asked to comment on Twitter accounts for 45 years and $300 million or various amounts. I think it’s important that all of you (reporters) know that these references and perspectives on negotiations other than what I give you will be inaccurate.

I think it’s important to say that because unfortunately there appears to be a very big gap between the publishing media in Philadelphia today and the days of Benjamin Franklin. There doesn’t seem to be as much interest in being accurate as they were back then. We’ll never negotiate through the press. It’s not something I do and it’s not something fans much appreciate. The fact is there will be no disclosure by the Bryzgalov camp. Anybody that guesses at this point will be proven only to be one thing: a guesser and misrepresenting things to the public.

Originally Posted by jerseydevil

That being said, gawd I do not want Bryz on Philly.

I know you got ulterior motives. Me on the other hand am very happy at the prospect that Bryzgalov is out of the Pacific.