Bryzgalov Revisited

by Joe Dunman on Aug 21, 2007 4:51 PM MDT in NHL News

A couple of weeks ago I promoted a great diary entry that advocated the trade of Avalanche goalie Peter Budaj for Ducks backup Ilya Bryzgalov. While I didn't agree with the trade idea, the post was very well done.

Well, I think I might be coming around.

The reason? Ilya Bryzgalov is funny as hell. For example, consider this interview in which he jokes about Edmonton's climate (in response to a question about why Chris Pronger sought a move to Anaheim) while speaking in a voice that can only be considered Mickey Mouse-like.

Bryzgalov is hilarious to listen to in much the same way as Ichiro. Sometimes English is funniest when spoken by capable but non-native speakers, especially the Russians and the Japanese. Nobody butchers the language like they do. And nobody comes across as profound as they do when saying completely mundane things.

Ian Laperriere is a funny guy, but Bryzgalov takes the cake. Sign him up!

(Thanks to Mirtle at the Fanhouse for the clip.)

Tweet Comment 12 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Read More: goalies, ducks, ilya bryzgalov

Comments

revisiting the bryz trade

i've thought a lot about it in...well, the last few min, and I gotta say you're probably right about not trading budaj or svatos...YET.

Budaj has a lot of potential, and he looked good playing behind a quite weak defense. He deserves another chance to be the guy, especially with the improved D. And hell, there's a one in a million chance Theodore could pull it together! ...haha...right

And while the avs are very deep at forward, they may not be next year. I know this is like blasphemy, but Sakic and Bruno could both have bad years and retire, and even if Bruno doesn't retire I don't think he'll be back. That leaves some potentially significant holes to fill, and who knows if Hensick and Stewart will be ready to fill them?

So even if Svatos doesn't play on the top 2 lines this year, he could be needed in that role in the future. So yeah, let's sit tight and wait for the trade deadline.

by thedoctor on Aug 22, 2007 1:06 PM MDT reply actions

trade

As i proposed on my own blog today I think the Avs have been quietly stockpiling the assets needed to make a play for Bryzzy if Budaj falters as a #1. He is obviously a solid backup at the worst,

So a Prospect/draft pick, Skrastins, Budaj for Bryzgalov trade wouldn't seem that far-fetched for both teams in my opinion.

Again, I think it only happens if Budaj struggles

by Jibblescribbits on Aug 22, 2007 1:59 PM MDT up reply actions

that's an awful lot for a backup...

i don't think the avs would be willing to trade quite that much for "bryzzy." probably more along the lines of svatos and skrastins for bryz would be more fair. or my initial idea of budaj and svatos for bryz and a pick.

i do agree that the ducks may want some veteran help on the blue line, and skratch might be an asset we trade...

by thedoctor on Aug 22, 2007 4:24 PM MDT up reply actions

Re: that's an awful lot

Well, keep in mind that Niedermayer could be back next year and with Pronger still on board and Schneider joining the team, that's already some serious veteran D. The Ducks don't have a single regular blueliner under the age of 27.

I can see the Ducks trading Bryzgalov and somebody else for Svatos and Budaj long before I see them take Skrastins for anybody.

by Joe Dunman on Aug 22, 2007 5:54 PM MDT up reply actions

A lot?

Niedermeyer is more than likely going to retire (well according to reliable rumors).

Then there defense is f'ed and they will need a veteren defenseman. And if Budaj doesn't live up to the billing this year we'd be sending them a career backup, Budaj, and a guy who probably won't reach the potential he shoed, Svatos, and a reliable blueliner, Skratch, for a guy who would be the #1 on at least 15 teams in the league.

by Jibblescribbits on Aug 22, 2007 7:28 PM MDT up reply actions

#1

I weep for any teams that would need Skratch as a number 1 d-man. He is a solid guy but he ain't close to being a number 1.

Never trust the lunch lady.

by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Aug 22, 2007 8:08 PM MDT up reply actions

I think...

Jibbles was refering to Bryzzy being a #1 'tender, not Skratch as a #1 D-man.

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Aug 23, 2007 7:38 AM MDT up reply actions

re: A lot?

i still think budaj + svatos + skratch is too much for bryzgalov -- i would prefer 2 of those 3 for bryzgalov. and the jury is still out on budaj, i think he could be more than a career backup.

by thedoctor on Aug 23, 2007 11:46 AM MDT up reply actions

Don't forget

It's only meant as an IF Budaj fails as a #1 this season.

Also the good goalie free agent market is looking pretty grim for the next few years. Trading for a good one is going to take a little extra.

But i see your point. Budaj, Skratch and a 3rd round draft pick sounds fair though

by Jibblescribbits on Aug 23, 2007 3:00 PM MDT up reply actions

Re: Don't forget

If Budaj seriously blows it this season and Bryzgalov is unavailable, the only really great option would be for the Avs to get Kipper from the Flames. But that would be quite expensive and highly unlikely, considering what the Flames will probably offer him.

Budaj, if you're reading this, you HAVE to be completely awesome from now on, no exceptions.

by Joe Dunman on Aug 24, 2007 5:04 AM MDT up reply actions

Weiman

the odds of calgary trading kipper in division are almost too small to think about. that would be awesome though.

one other thing that's worth mentioning here though -- Tyler Weiman is moving up the avs system quite quickly, and I had the good fortune of watching him play a lot when he led the Colorado Eagles to their first CHL title. kid is GOOD -- really really fast -- but a touch undersized, which is why he's had such a hard time moving up the system. but with how goaltender equipment is shrinking, size matters less with goalies, and the giant, slow, positional goalies of the past (*cough* khabibulin) are giving way to his type.

my point is that all is not lost if budaj doesn't hold up and we can't make a trade. and don't be surprised if you see weiman backing up budaj/bryzzy/kipper next year no matter what happens.

by thedoctor on Aug 24, 2007 8:57 AM MDT up reply actions

Re: Don't forget

I think we can forget about getting Kipper from the Flames. Outside of the incredibly rare Roy situation, how often do you see a goalie of his caliber available on the market. I know that Luongo was available last year on the cheap, but Florida's front office is an absolute joke. The Flames, unless Kipper gets in a fight with Keenan over playing time, I just cannot see him becoming available.

Although, this is one case where I would love to be wrong. If he is available, then send whatever's necessary.

Bring home Foppa!!!

by MattTheRock on Aug 24, 2007 11:16 AM MDT up reply actions