Bryzgalov and Flyers will meet to break ice

By Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: June 15, 2011

In a meeting that could shape the Flyers' future, standout goalie Ilya Bryzgalov will be introduced to several team officials on Thursday.

Bryzgalov and his agent, Ritch Winter, will arrive in Philadelphia late Wednesday night and meet with general manager Paul Holmgren, coach Peter Laviolette, and goalie coach Jeff Reese, among others, the next day.

The Flyers acquired the rights to Bryzgalov last week, sending minor-league winger/enforcer Matt Clackson and a third-round pick in 2012 to Phoenix. The Coyotes will also get a conditional pick if Bryzgalov signs with the Flyers.

Thursday will be the first time the Flyers' brass has had a chance to meet with the goalie, who turns 31 next Wednesday.

Holmgren had a recent phone conversation with Bryzgalov and said he "sounded pretty excited."

The Flyers are optimistic about coming to terms with Bryzgalov before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Bryzgalov figures to get a five-year deal in the neighborhood of $27 million.

To sign the goalie and fit him under the salary cap, the Flyers will probably not be able to re-sign winger Ville Leino - and figure to move one of their high-priced players, such as defenseman Matt Carle.

If the Flyers sign Bryzgalov, they are expected to use Sergei Bobrovsky as his backup.

The Flyers agreed to terms with 6-foot-5, 209-pound Tom Sestito, the winger reported on Twitter. He was acquired from Columbus last season and played with the Phantoms.

Contact staff writer Sam Carchidi at scarchidi@phillynews.com or @ BroadStBull on Twitter.

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