Bryzgalov feels at home with Anaheim

Photo Credit - Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images

Everyone is familiar with the Ilya Bryzgalov's antics. He's been quoted talking about being "afraid of bears in the forest” to how "humongous big" the solar system is and comparing Edmonton's weather to the North Pole. In 2011- 2012 season the world had the chance to meet the real llya Bryzgalov in the HBO special "24/7 Flyers vs Rangers: Road to the NHL Winter Classic". HBO was able to showcase the type of character Bryzgalov is and just how funny the net-minder can be inside the locker room. He was quoted many times through the television special. Ilya was caught talking about how poorly his performances have been as a Flyer, to quoting be "happy and don't worry" in reference to being a small part of the universe. During the HBO special he also stated how he felt about playing the goalie position; "I love it, but sometimes I hate it", which was referring to equipment issues and dealing with the pain as a goaltender. No matter what Bryzgalov has to say, he always has a smile on his face and tries to make a joke about every situation.

Sadly in Philadelphia, Bryzgalov's character wasn't the right fit in the locker room and many players didn't care for him, while the coaching staff disliked him. The NHL veteran was bought out of his 9 year $51 million contract in 2013. The buyout would cost the Flyers a total of $23 million (approximately $1.643 million per season) for the next 14 years to have him not play for the organization. After being bought out by the Flyers, the Russian goaltender was invited to the Florida Panthers training camp, but failed to make the team. Instead he was signed to one year contract by the Edmonton Oilers in November 2013. His time in Edmonton was short lived as he was traded to the Minnesota Wild on March 4, 2014 the day of the NHL Trade Deadline. As a member of the Wild, Bryz showed some signs of his solid goaltending, dating back to his time as a Phoenix Coyote. He played in 12 games for the Wild posting a .911 save percentage, 2.12 goals against and 7 wins and 4 losses. However Bryzgalov lost the starting role in the playoffs due to his poor performances and the strong play of back up goaltender Darcy Kuemper.

In the summer of 2014 the Minnesota Wild decided to not resign Bryz making him available once again in the free agent market. llya Bryzgalov received some interest among NHL teams but non of which offered him a contract. The once Stanley Cup champion was however offered a contract from a team in the KHL. He declined the offer, hoping he would get a tryout with a NHL team in the fall. His wish came true in September at the start of training camp, when the Minnesota Wild decided to give him another chance and offered him a tryout. Training camp wasn't successful for the once bronze medal winner and the team released him from the tryout. Once again the KHL came knocking and Bryzgalov declined the offer. He spoke about why he didn't want to return to his home country of Russia. “I didn't feel like I was ready to go home. I would love to go home. But it’s a difficult step because I’m gonna go, and my family is going to stay here, and it’s long flights, you know, to go back and forth to see them. Most of the decisions right now, it’s depending on the family. You know, I’m trying to do what’s best for my family.” Instead of leaving, he spent his time coaching his sons hockey team and spending time with his family.

On December 4, Ilya Bryzgalov received a phone call from his agent Ritch Winter while traveling back from his sons hockey tournament. "Maybe you should stop coaching and maybe you have a desire to return to the NHL and play hockey?" Ritch asked. His agent then told him it was his former team, the Anaheim Ducks that were interested in giving him a professional tryout contract. Bryzgalov was surprised and very excited at the opportunity to return to a place he calls home. "It was a big surprise for me. It's a great place to play. I remember once sitting with Teemu Selanne and he said, 'Believe me, this is the best place to play hockey.' After a few years around the league, it's true. This is one of the best places (Anaheim) to play hockey." Bryzgalov said in a interview following his return to Anaheim. The goaltender spent 6 and half seasons with the Ducks organization before being claimed off waivers by the Coyotes. He says he has a lot of great memories about the city of Anaheim and the team has a very special place in his heart. Bryzgalov calls Anaheim his happy place. "I got married here, had a son, won a Cup and built my first house".

Bryzgalov is known for his personality and Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf knows the exact person Bryz can be, "He's (Bryzgalov) a character but he's a good goaltender. He stops the puck and that's what were looking for in a goalie." "He was always a fun guy. He enjoyed what he did. Obviously things got a little carried away here in the last few years with the media attention and everything that was given to him. I thought that obviously he (was) misquoted a few times and made people laugh. But ultimately that's all he is. He likes to joke around and have fun." Getzlaf stated in a interview prior to Bryz joining the team.

On December 9, 2014 the Anaheim Ducks made it official and signed Ilya Bryzgalov to a 1 year deal worth $2.8 million. Since signing the contract Bryzgalov has made Anaheim his home once again. His numbers haven't been strong since signing the contract. He's posting a .854 save percentage and only 1 victory in four games this season. Bryzgalov has openly admitted that he hadn’t spent much staying in physical playing shape prior to joining the Ducks. However, he believes that he's making progress everyday and believes the more playing time he gets the better his play will be. Bryzgalov believes he will be able to contribute to the Ducks and perform strongly down the stretch going into the playoffs. The net-minder is happy to be back playing in Anaheim, and says he's at peace with his career and knows Anaheim will likely be where he ends his career. “It’s tough to complain,” he says. “I have nothing to complain (about). Life is beautiful. I've been so lucky in my life, and I appreciate it.” he told reporters during a interview last month. “We've set the goal for ourselves to win the Cup,” said Bryzgalov. The goal right now is to be prepared to play when called upon and try to help bring a championship back to Anaheim.

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