Ilya Bryzgalov Reportedly Waived by Ducks: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Ilya Bryzgalov's aborted stay with the Anaheim Ducks is over. The Ducks reportedly requested waivers on the veteran goaltender Sunday, ending the former Hart Trophy finalist's tenure after only eight appearances. The team planed to release the goalkeeper on Friday, after he cleared waivers, according to Elliott Teaford of the Los Angeles News Group.

Continue for updates.

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Bryzgalov to Return Home for Rest of Season

Thursday, Feb. 26

The Ducks announced that Bryzgalov will return to his Philadelphia home for the remainder of the season, via the team's official site.

Bryzgalov commented on the decision:

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At the beginning of the NHL season, I spent all of my time with my wife and my children. I drove my son and daughter to their practices and games and enjoyed life. I had no plans to return to the NHL this season until the Ducks reached out to my agent, Ritch Winter. I agreed to return because of my respect for the Ducks organization, the quality of the team they had assembled and my long relationship with Bob Murray and the team. Given the way things have worked out, I have decided to return home to be with my wife and children, who did not move with me to Anaheim. It’s not the way I had hoped things would work out. But when you can return to a family you love, could life be any better?

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Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray also provided a statement:

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Ilya has handled this difficult situation with class and dignity, and I fully understand and accept his decision,” said Murray.” I have great respect for what he’s accomplished in his career, and specifically what he’s done for our franchise. He made an indelible mark on our club in the 2006 and 2007 playoffs and helped us to a championship. That’s not something our organization and fans will soon forget. We wish him the best of luck in the future no matter what he decides to do

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Ducks Waive Bryzgalov

Sunday, Feb. 22

The Associated Press (via CBC) first reported the move.  Signed in December amid a rash of injuries in net, Bryzgalov made sporadic appearances as a backup to Frederik Andersen. He went 1-4-1 in those contests with a 4.19 goals against average and has not touched ice since allowing three goals on eight shots to Florida earlier this month.   

Former second-round pick John Gibson has been Anaheim's primary backup since spelling Bryzgalov in that loss to the Panthers. Gibson has started the last five games as Anderson sat out due to injury; Bryzgalov's release comes amid the expectation Anderson will return to the lineup soon.

A regular starter for most of the last half decade, Bryzgalov has struggled to stay on the ice in the last two seasons. He split 2013-14 with Edmonton and Minnesota before going unsigned in free agency until Anaheim brought him in. The Ducks drafted Bryzgalov in the second round in 2000, and his signing represented something of a homecoming.

With Anaheim moving on, it'll be interesting to see whether Bryzgalov gets another shot elsewhere.

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