Earlier today, Ilya Bryzgalov released a statement through his agent, Ritch Winter, thanking Philadelphia Flyers owner Ed Snider for “the faith he showed in me when he committed to the long term contract that has secured my family’s financial future and acknowledging his passion for the game of hockey.”
The statement set a largely convivial tone after the Flyers announced they would use a compliance buyout on Bryzgalov.
However, we’re not sure we’d say the same about Winter’s tone in a radio interview he just had with Edmonton’s 630 CHED.
Winter says he's a bit surprised Flyers bought out Bryzgalov.
— Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer (@OilersNow) June 26, 2013
Winter on Bryz making $40-million for two years of play in Philly: "Thank you very much, I'll move on."
— Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer (@OilersNow) June 26, 2013
Winter: "It's terrible for goaltenders in Philadelphia."
— Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer (@OilersNow) June 26, 2013
Winter: "There's more wrong with Philadelphia's goaltending than just the goaltending."
— Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer (@OilersNow) June 26, 2013
Wow. Winter ANNIHILATES system in Philly. Says it's brutal for goalies. No clear lanes, can't see the puck, goalie coach no authority etc.
— Dan Tencer (@dantencer) June 26, 2013
Winter uses the word "deception" to describe Holmgren telling him initially that Bryzgalov would not be bought out.
— Dan Tencer (@dantencer) June 26, 2013
As for Bryzgalov’s future, Winter said the Oilers are a team that his client -- now free to sign with any of the other 29 teams in the NHL -- would consider joining.
Winter said Bryzgalov would hate the weather in Edmonton but would love the energy in a hockey city and thinks the team can win. He'd come.
— Dan Tencer (@dantencer) June 26, 2013
Whether there’s any interest on Edmonton’s end -- new general manager Craig MacTavish has said he’d like to add another goaltender to push starter Devan Dubnyk -- remains to be seen.