Wild release veteran goalie Ilya Bryzgalov from tryout
The Wild have released veteran goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov from his tryout, the team announced Monday.
Bryzgalov, 34, had a .911 save percentage and 2.12 goals-against average in 12 games for Minnesota last season.
Bryzgalov signed a nine-year, $51 million contract with the Flyers in 2011, but the team bought out the final seven years of the deal prior to last season. He then signed a one-year deal with the Oilers after a brief stint in the ECHL.
The Wild acquired Bryzgalov from Edmonton shortly before the trade deadline.
• Central Division 2014-15 Preview: Minnesota Wild
Bryzgalov was one of four goalies competing for playing time with the Wild. In addition to incumbent starter Niklas Backstrom, the team also signed Darcy Kuemper to a two-year deal.
Josh Harding, the longtime backup in Minnesota, was reportedly suspended indefinitely after breaking his foot kicking a wall during an incident with a teammate. He is expected to miss two to three months with the injury. Harding posted career-bests in save percentage and GAA last season, but he did not play after Dec. 31 due to complications from multiple sclerosis.
• SI.com's 2014-15 NHL season crystal ball predictions
Bryzgalov won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007. He then signed with the Coyotes, where he finished second in Vezina voting in 2010 and sixth in 2011. He is also well known for his offbeat interactions with the media, telling reporters about his fear of bears and marveling at the size of the universe.
The Wild also waived forwards Cody Almond and Stephane Veilleux and sent forwards Joel Rechlicz and Kurtis Gabriel to the team's AHL affiliate. Forward Justin Fontaine was placed on injured reserve, retroactive to Sept. 27, with a lower body injury.
• SI.com's 2014-15 NHL season preview hub
The Wild open the season at home against the Avalanche on Thursday.
- Dan Gartland