Flyers brass meeting with Bryzgalov a Success

Despite the shot to their reputation.

Yesterday the Flyers top target, Ilya Bryzgalov, flew in from his native Russia. He was quickly greet by Ed Snider's personal jet which was flown to Washington to greet the goaltender. The Flyers organization met with the 30 year old Bryzgalov and his agent Rich Winter today.

Of the first to met with Bryzgalov was goalie coach Jeff Reese. Reese has dealt with Boucher, Bobrovsky, Leighton, Johan Backlund and Ray Emery over the course of the past two seasons - I'm sure he's glad to see an accomplished goaltender walk though his doors. Reese had this to say about Bryz.

 “He seems like a really pleasant, easy going guy and he has very good perspective on the game,” Reese said. “If we sign him, I think we’ll be able to get along great. I was impressed with him.”

According to Tim Panaccio the meeting between the Flyers and Bryzgalov went into the night, ending recently inferring that all was going well and Bryzgalov will hopefully be signed by draft day, June 24th.

Many proposed trade rumors circle around picks in the is upcoming draft, making the Flyers deal with Bryzgalov rushed at the moment. Bryz has to be signed before any of the other wheels start moving, wheels that will likely include one of Matt Carle, Jeff Carter, or Kris Versteeg.

This may be premature but my guess would be if Bryzgalov isn't signed by June 24th the Flyers will move on. This could mean the Flyers shifting their attention to a Jonathan Bernier or Steve Mason, both of whom have been rumored to be just outside the Flyers target which now rests on Bryzgalov.

More to come...