Ilya Bryzgalov, who played for the Russian national team in the World Championships a few months back, remains without a job — either in the NHL or in the KHL.
Michael Leighton, the journeyman former Flyers goalie who played just one game in relief of Bryzgalov last season — and was subsequently lit up for five goals in that game — does have a job in the KHL. He signed a one-year deal with HC Donbass recently and will play for the KHL team this fall. Ruslan Fedotenko and Oskars Bartulis both play there.
The Flyers traded Leighton to Columbus at the trade deadline for Steve Mason, which shows you where his value stands in the hockey world these days. There’s no doubt in anybody’s mind that Bryzgalov is a better goaltender than Leighton, and would surely be one of the best goalies in the KHL if he played there this coming season. So it’s strange, and depending on your particular feelings towards Bryz, really sad or hilariously awkward.
Maybe it’s a money issue and Bryz is waiting for the right deal or something, and would rather not play than take the wrong deal. Hard not to make the joke, though: Michael Leighton has a job in hockey, and Ilya Bryzgalov does not. Unless sitting around doing nothing for millions of the Flyers’ dollars is considered a job.
