Flyers Trade Carter and Richards, Acquire Bryzgalov

In a stunning move, the Philadlephia Flyers traded centers Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, then signed goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. Carter went to Columbus for the 8th overall pick in tonight's draft, as well as a 3rd round selection, and 21 year old winger Jakub Voracek. Richards was sent to the Kings for a pair of young forwards and an undisclosed draft pick.

The Flyers then signed Russian goalie Bryzgalov to a 9 year, $51 million deal. The Flyers were 11th in goals allowed last year, and used three different goalies in the playoffs, never being able to settle on a true #1. Bryzgalov is a solid, 31 year old goalie and answers Philadelphia's biggest question going into the 2011-12 season.

But I think the size of the deal is a bit much for just a solid goalie like Bryzgalov. He's capable of brilliance, he recorded 7 shutouts this year. And he doesn't have Luongonian style meltdowns. But he's just not that great. Not for a $51 million commitment, at least.

The Flyers need a goalie, so I understand. It is funny, though. After last season, everyone thought that goaltending was an overrated commodity. The Cup winning goalie - Antti Niemi - got a 4 year, $15.2 million deal after the Blackhawks won it all last year. People thought that so long as your goalie wasn't a liability, and stopped the standard shots, then it didn't matter who he was. How things change.

I wonder if Tim Thomas will get a commission from Bryzgalov's deal.

-The Commodore