Flyers buy out remainder of goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov’s contract

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Flyers are parting ways with goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov.

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren confirmed in a statement that the team will use its second compliance buyout on the mercurial netminder.

Bryzgalov still had seven years on a nine-year, US$51-million contract that came with a cap hit of $5,666,667 per season.

His time in Philadelphia was characterized by inconsistent play, a perceived lack of competitiveness and clashes with the media.

He was criticized for shutting his eyes on the bench and yawning in a loss to Winnipeg last season, and was later accused of dozing off at a meeting by an anonymous teammate.

Bryzgalov scolded the media for that report, saying it never happened and calling it “embarrassing.”

He posted a 19-17-3 record with a 2.79 goals against average and .900 save percentage with the Flyers last season.

In 425 career games with Anaheim, Phoenix and Philadelphia, Bryzgalov is 208-149-45 with 30 shutouts, a 2.55 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.

The Flyers bought out forward Danny Briere’s contract last week.