Report: Bryzgalov close to deal with mystery NHL club
After being frozen solid for months and months, it would appear that the market for veteran goaltenders is beginning to shake loose.
On the heels of the St. Louis Blues' decision to bring in future Hockey Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur, a mystery team is reportedly close to signing future Sports Quote Hall of Famer Ilya Bryzgalov, according to Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer:
Sounds like Ilya bryzgalov will be re-surfacing in the NHL shortly
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) December 3, 2014
If you'll permit us to run with the idea that it isn't a coincidence that an Edmonton-based media member broke this humongous-big piece of hockey news, Bryzgalov could make some sense for the Edmonton Oilers.
Obviously there's familiarity there, as the Oilers signed Bryzgalov in a similar spot last season. There's also a fit, what with the Oilers ranking dead last in the NHL in even-strength save percentage through the first quarter of the season.
Bryzgalov, 30, appeared in 32 regular-season games and nine playoff games with the Oilers and the Minnesota Wild last season. In the regular season, he managed a 12-9-8 record and a .909 save percentage.