Philadelphia Flyers: 5 Reasons the Bryzgalov Trade Was a BIG Mistake

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At first glance, the Philadelphia Flyers acquisition of Ilya Bryzgalov seemed like a steal.

Now, with time winding down on the Flyers being able to sign their new No. 1 goalie, it is starting to go in the other direction.

Last Friday, talks between the two sides stalled as the goaltender was instead shown around the city. Will he get signed by July 1st?

We will not know until that date comes and goes. Here are five reasons that the trade for Ilya Bryzgalov was a huge mistake.

5. The Flyers May Have Just Given Away Players

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The Flyers traded away enforcer Matt Clackson and two draft picks in order to just get the right to negotiate with Bryzgalov.

Now granted, that is not that much given up for the possibility of getting a No. 1 goaltender. However, if a contract is not signed by July 1, then the deal would be all for nought.

4. Is Ilya Bryzgalov Even the Best Goalie on the Market?

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The 2011 free agent class is littered with talented, veteran goaltenders, including Thomas Vokoun, Jean Sebastien-Giguere and Dwayne Roloson.

These goaltenders may come at a much cheaper price, due to the fact that they will not command a long term deal like Bryzgalov will.

3. The Flyers Have More Problems Than at Goalie

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A goaltender will certainly help the Flyers' chances at winning a cup, but they have more problems.

Their defense in the playoffs was average at best. Granted, they did not have a healthy Chris Pronger, but still.

Now with the Flyers most likely losing Ville Leino, they will lose another scoring threat and a playmaker on the offense side as well.

2. The Flyers Will Have to Let Go of a Star

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In order to create enough cap space to sign a guy like Bryzgalov, the Flyers will most likely have to trade away one of their blue-chip players.

Names that have popped up in rumors include Jeff Carter, Mike Richards and Scott Hartnell. Now I could live with letting Hartnell walk, but seeing Carter or Richards in another uniform would disgust me.

1. Is He Worth It?

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If he becomes a Flyer, all eyes will certainly be on Ilya Bryzgalov. With that kind of pressure, he will certainly command a hefty amount of money.

At 30-years old, he will want at least six or seven million a year and he has been adamant about getting a long-term deal done. That means the Flyers could be giving five million to a 36-year old washed up goalie in six years.