Phoenix Coyotes unable to meet Ilya Bryzgalov’s Demands, Trade Rights to Philadelphia Flyers
No matter how much Phoenix Coyotes tried to negotiate with Ilya Bryzgalov, its main goalie, Bryzaglov did not back down from his decision and ultimately has had his negotiating rights transferred to Philadelphia Flyers.
“After several discussions with Ilya and his agent, it became very clear to us that we were not in a position to sign Ilya to a long-term contract”, Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said in a statement. “We will now focus our efforts on adding another
goaltender to our roster for the upcoming season”.
Philadelphia Flyers gave Coyotes future considerations in upcoming National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Drafts including a third round draft pick in the upcoming 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
It also gave Phoenix its 26-year-old 2005 draft pick, left winger Matt Clackson, who they had not officially signed and according to rumours, Coyotes also has no plans of using him.
If the 30-year-old Russian goalie does not lower his demands with Philadelphia Flyers, one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, either they will have to accommodate him by making a major compromise or let go of Bryzgalov, making him an unrestricted
free agent on July 1st.
“I feel like he’s got a lot of good years left in him”, Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. “We’ll see how it goes. When you get into a negotiation like this, you’re dealing with a salary cap, you try to get a number you can live with. We’ll see”.
Further information about what Bryzgalov wants is not available since it has not been disclosed as yet.
The 44th overall pick in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Bryzgalov, who was also a Vezina Trophy finalist during the 2009-2010 season, was ranked sixth during 2010-2011 regular season with regard to wins, 36 out of 68, while boasting a saves percentage
of .921.
Sergei Bobrovsky is likely to remain the main goalie for Philadelphia Flyers, but it will certainly be interesting to see what happens in the upcoming days as they continue to negotiate with Bryzgalov and try to get him to sign for their team.
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