Edmonton – The Edmonton Oilers have called up goalie Ilya Bryzgalov from the Oklahoma City Barons.
Bryzgalov stepped on the ice for his first practice with the Oilers Monday morning.
“I just enjoy to return to the NHL and have some opportunity to play here in Edmonton. Thank you for the organization. They give me that opportunity, said Bryzgalov after the practice.
The veteran made two appearances last week with the American Hockey League’s Barons after signing a one-year $2 million contract with the Oilers. After giving up five goals on 24 shots in his first appearance, the veteran netminder stopped 25 shots in the Barons 4-1 victory against the Abbotsford Heat Saturday night.
“The first game was a little bit clumsy. I was feel like not comfortable, unusual. Lots of players skating back and forth in front of you. But in the second game I felt pretty much good,” said Bryzgalov.
The 33-year-old was a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2010 as a member of the Phoenix Coyotes.
Bryzgalov signed a nine year, $51 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2011. After two seasons, the Flyers bought out the remaining seven years of the deal.
“It’s out of my control. I can’t do anything about (it). If they decided to buy me out, not play for the team, you know, like what can I do,” said Bryzgalov.
Bryzgalov is 208-149-45 with a 2.55 GAA and a .913 save percentage in 425 career NHL games.