Phoenix Coyotes: The Bryz Is No More as Goalie Is Dealt to Philadelphia

Four years ago, the Phoenix Coyotes landed the franchise goalie they sorely sought when former Anaheim Ducks backup goalie Ilya Bryzgalov was placed on waivers.

The Bryz was a Cinderella signing for the Coyotes, a franchise that hadn't made the playoffs since 2001. With solid drafts, the Coyotes finally broke a nine-year drought, making the playoffs and posting over 100 points on the season.

With their franchise goalie in net, the Coyotes went to work building up their blue line to protect Bryzgalov, and they were rewarded with back-to-back playoff appearances in 2009-10 and 2010-11.

In both playoff seasons, Bryzgalov won 42 and 36 games and established himself as a top line goalie.

On Tuesday, the Coyotes sent Bryzgalov packing to Philadelphia in exchange for forward Matt Clarkson, a third-round pick in 2012, and future considerations.

The Coyotes were looking to lock up Bryzgalov long-term and when talks broke down and the Coyotes realized they couldn't keep the Bryz, he was dealt away.

Yahoo Sports reported that Bryzgalov was looking to not only be paid as one of the top goalies in hockey, but also as one of the top players.

The Coyotes, meanwhile, remain in bankruptcy court and are currently owned by the National Hockey League. With little money to play with and looking to lock up All-Star defenseman Keith Yandle, the deal makes all the more sense.