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

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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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Matt Clackson #52 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the New Jersey Devils on September 22, 2008 at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Devils 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Im

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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PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 27: Tomas Vokoun #29 of the Florida Panthers makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center on March 27, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

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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PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: Nikolay Zherdev #93, Sean O'Donnell #6 and Matt Carle #25 of the Philadelphia Flyers skate off the ice after winning Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Buffalo Sabres during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cu

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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BUFFALO, NY - APRIL 18: Jeff Carter #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers reacts after Kimmo Timonen #44 scored an empty net goal aginst the Buffalo Sabres in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at HSBC Ar

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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GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 01: Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov #30 of the Phoenix Coyotes is introduced before the NHL game against the Colorado Avalanche at Jobing.com Arena on April 1, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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.