Around the NHL: Flyers trade for Bryzgalov rights

According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, the Philadelphia Flyers have acquired the rights to Ilya Bryzgalov from the Phoenix Coyotes for a 3rd round pick in 2012, Matt Clackson and a conditional draft pick.

Photo credit: Brian Poulsen

AT: That is absolutely stunning. I'm struggling to see how they'll fit him under the cap, though. They have only $430,000 in cap space and you have to imagine Ilya's going to be looking for a 4.5m per year contract, if not more. Not to mention there's still Carcillo and Nodl needing resigning. I can imagine a big trade coming from Philly quite soon. I forsee Hartnell and/or Versteeg departing Philadelphia in the near future.

This is going to be a Philadelphia team to be very, very afraid of if they manage to get Bryzgalov under the cap. Goaltending has always been their crux.

CH: Agreed with Alex. Certainly did not see this coming. Great deal for the Flyers, but now they have to go out and actually sign him. As Tim Panaccio says, it may be difficult. This does relate to the Islanders in a very indirect way. Evgeni Nabokov is one of the Islanders most likely to be traded this summer, and the Flyers were a potential suitor for him. Personally, I hated the idea of trading him to a division rival, especially if the Islanders goal is to make the playoffs this year. However, Paul Holmgren and Garth Snow do have a relationship based on past deals so it could have been an option. I'm glad to see that won't happen unless Holmgren figures out over the next few weeks that Bryzgalov will not sign a long-term deal with the Flyers.

Looking forward from a Flyers perspective, this could go in quite a few directions. They could go and trade Jeff Carter, which has been heavily rumored recently. There was a report the Flyers have been in discussions with Columbus for the 8th overall pick, and it could be assumed Carter was part of that. They could also opt to trade players like Kris Versteeg or Scott Hartnell, which Alex implied. Look for some deals draft weekend or soon after. Either way, it's hard to assume they will be major players on July 1, but you never know. Overall, this trade is a scary proposition for the Atlantic Division if they get Bryzgalov signed.