Report: Ilya Bryzgalov expected to sign with Ducks, hopes to play soon
Free-agent goalie Ilya Bryzgalov hopes to see his first action of the season within 10 days as he is expected to sign a deal with the Anaheim Ducks, according to CSN Philly.
From 2001-07, Bryzgalov played 69 games for the Ducks, who brought him on a pro tryout contract this week. He has also played for the Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild in the past seven seasons.
Bryzgalov, 34, was 7-1-3 in 12 games with a 2.12 goals against average and .911 save percentage last season for the Wild, who released him during training camp. He has been skating with the Ducks this week trying to get back in shape.
"I hope it's going to be within 10 days. That's the plan, as soon as possible. You never know how you're going to feel each day,” he said, according to NHL.com. “I had a great workout today. There is lots of excitement. We'll see how I feel tomorrow. I need to catch up because the team has already played lots of hockey. It's tough to say, but I don't think it should take more than 10 days."
Bryzgalov will make $1.642 million every season until 2026-27, after he agreed to a buyout with the Flyers after the 2013 season.
Bryzgalov admits he hasn't trained much since being released by the Wild.
"I'm not going to lie to you," Bryzgalov said. "After my training camp in Minnesota, I didn't do much. I was just home, dropping the kids at practice, doing homework. I was a full-time dad. I didn't pay much attention to my physical condition.”
Anaheim has gotten of to a 16-6-5 record this season and their 37 points is tied for 1st in the Western Conference.
- Scooby Axson