Philadelphia Flyers Trade for Rights to Ilya Bryzgalov

Earlier this evening, news broke that the Philadelphia Flyers traded for soon-to-be-free agent goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov of the Phoenix Coyotes. Here is an excerpt from the official press release:

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The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have acquired the rights to goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov (breez-GAH-lahf, IHL-yah) from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for LW Matt Clackson, the Flyers’ 3rd round draft choice in 2012 and a conditional draft choice, according to general manager Paul Holmgren.

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What does this mean for the Flyers? 

The Flyers will have until June 1 to negotiate and close a deal with Bryzgalov. Make no mistake about it, this won't be easy for the Flyers.

CSNPhilly's Tim Panaccio reported that he spoke to Bryzgalov's agent Ritch Winter yesterday and noted, "this won't be an easy signing."

The Flyers are extremely close to the cap limit and have virtually no wiggle room. This most likely means Jeff Carter is out the door. Rumors already have him with the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

In a conference call with reporters, Flyers GM Paul Holmgren had the following to say:

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"Flyers will have one of the best goalie tandems in the NHL [if Bryzgalov signs]."

"We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to field a good team."

"I think the world of Sergei [Bobrovsky]. I think he's one of the top young goalies in the game."

"We didn't make this trade to kind of hang around. We'll do our best to get him signed."

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Special thanks to Sam Carchidi and Dave Isaac for the Holmgren conference call quotes.