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So, this appears to be a thing that's happening:
It's not carved in stone, but in spite of what has been said in past, I expect PHI is likely to use compliance buyout on Ilya Bryzgalov.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 8, 2013
We've discussed in detail the possibility the Flyers could buy out Ilya Bryzgalov this season, and in the context of their current goaltending situation, it doesn't make all that much sense. If they buy out Bryzgalov and give the reigns to Steve Mason, they're opening themselves up to a ton of question marks. Not that Bryzgalov himself isn't a question mark, but at present he is a much better goalie than Steve Mason. That might change in the next few years but as of now, it's true.
There's also this today, though:
@ericsuperfan think Bryzgalov gets bought out and Bernier for Matt Read is made. Was discussed at deadline as I hear.
— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) June 8, 2013
We'll discuss the Bernier possibility in more detail tomorrow here on the site, but the only way I'm comfortable with a Bryzgalov buyout this summer is if the Flyers add more depth in goal otherwise. It makes a whole lot more sense that way. Otherwise, they should take the time to see what they have in Mason, see how Bryz performs for another year, and then make a more concrete decision next summer.
If the Flyers buy out Bryzgalov but fail to add another goalie that could compete for a starting job with Mason, it's pretty clear the sole motivation will be cap space. They need to get under the cap anyway, but with buyouts to both Bryz and Danny Briere, they'd have nearly $10 million in space under the $64 million cap for next season.
They'd have some holes to fill with that money but theoretically they could plug those spots and still make room to add a defenseman with that flexibility. Then, there's also this bit of news:
Also, PHI is in market for D and may be willing to move one of their young centres - B Schenn or Couturier - for the right deal.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 8, 2013
We've also discussed this possibility many times around here, and our opinion isn't changing: If the Flyers trade Brayden Schenn or Sean Couturier for anybody, it better be a deal they can't refuse.