Playing career

Early years and Anaheim tenure

Bryzgalov started his professional career in his native Russia, splitting the 1999-2000 season between Spartak Moscow of the Russian Supreme League (RSL-2) and Lada Togliatti of the Russian Superleague (RSL). Bryzgalov played two seasons with Lada Togliatti before joining the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, who had drafted him in the second round, 44th overall, in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

However, with Jean-Sébastien Giguère and Martin Gerber ahead of him in the club's depth chart, Bryzgalov spent the better part of his first four seasons in North America with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the American Hockey League (AHL). He made his Mighty Ducks debut in 2001-02, playing in his first of two games during that four-season stretch.

With the departure of backup Gerber, Bryzgalov took over behind Giguère in 2005-06 season. However, injuries to the Ducks starter allowed Bryzgalov to play more games than he otherwise would have and he responded to the challenge with a 13-12-1 record with a 2.51 goals against average (GAA) and .910 save percentage. In the subsequent playoffs, Bryzgalov made three starts and one relief appearance for the Ducks in their first-round series against the Calgary Flames. In Game 1, he filled-in for an injured Giguère, taking a 2-1 overtime loss. He relieved Giguère once more in Game 5 and stopped all 19 shots he faced in a 3-2 loss. He then took over the starting job for Games 6 and 7 of the series, winning 2-1 in Game 6 and recording a shutout in the decisive Game 7. Moving past the Flames, Bryzgalov then recorded 5-0 and 3-0 shutouts in the first two games of the second series against the Colorado Avalanche for three consecutive shutouts. He tied Frank McCool's 1945 playoff record for most consecutive shutouts by a rookie and passed Giguère, who had recorded consecutive shutouts in 2003 for the third-longest playoff shutout streak of all time. Despite his success in the first two rounds, Bryzgalov struggled in the semi-finals against the Edmonton Oilers and was eventually replaced by Giguère for the rest of the series as the Ducks were eliminated in five games.

Bryzgalov continued to play backup to Giguère the following season and into the 2007 playoffs. Bryzgalov made comments regarding Anaheim Ducks Head Coach Randy Carlyle, saying he believed Carlyle has no confidence in him. However, he briefly took over as the starter for the first four games of the Western Conference Quarter-Finals, winning three games as Giguère took a leave of absence with personal issues. Bryzgalov came in for relief in the Western Conference finals against the Detroit Red Wings, but remained on the bench as the Ducks went on to defeat the Ottawa Senators in the Finals in five games to win the franchise's, and Bryzgalov's, first Stanley Cup.

Phoenix Coyotes

With the re-signing of Giguère to a four-year contract in the off-season and the acquisition of Jonas Hiller from Switzerland, the Ducks attempted to trade Bryzgalov, but were unable to. General Manager Brian Burke claimed he had a deal worked out at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, but could not finish it. As a result, on November 16, 2007, Bryzgalov was placed on waivers and claimed by the Phoenix Coyotes the following day, on November 17. In his first game with the team that same day, Bryzgalov made 27 saves for his third career shutout in a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Phoenix promptly signed him to a three-year contract extension and he went on to record 26 wins in 55 games for the Coyotes as they battled for a playoff spot, establishing himself as the club's starting goaltender.

Bryzgalov again recorded 26 wins for the Coyotes during the 2008-09 season, though the Coyotes did not qualify for the playoffs. But the 2009-10 season would be a different story for Bryzgalov and the Coyotes, who would qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2002 on the back of Bryzgalov's 42 victories. The fourth-seeded Coyotes would face-off against the veteran Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Quarter-Finals. The series proved to be a see-saw battle that eventually saw Detroit prevail in seven games. Bryzgalov averaged 3.43 goals against per game during the series.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Coyotes during the 2010-11 season, Bryzgalov's 36 wins helped them to the sixth seed in the Western Conference and a return trip to the playoffs. Once again, the Coyotes faced the Red Wings. Despite Bryzgalov's strong play throughout the regular season, he struggled in the playoff rematch with Detroit, averaging 4.36 goals against per game as the Red Wings swept the Coyotes in four straight games. Set to become an unrestricted free agent in the off-season, the Coyotes did not meet Bryzgalov's asking price for a contract extension. On June 6, 2011, Bryzgalov's negotiation rights were traded to the Philadelphia Flyers for a third-round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, forward Matt Clackson, and future considerations. Bryzgalov averaged 33 victories a season the past four seasons with the Coyotes.

Philadelphia Flyers

During the previous two seasons, the Flyers had lacked a player who consistently filled the starting goaltender position. The duo of Michael Leighton and Brian Boucher were able to help the team to the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals in place of the injured starter Ray Emery, but neither goaltender held onto the starting position for an extended period of time. Rookie Sergei Bobrovsky was the Flyers starter in the 2010-11 season, but he and Boucher formed another tandem with similar inconsistency, including a dismal playoff for both.

On June 23, 2011, the Flyers signed Bryzgalov to be their new starter, and signed him to a nine-year, $51 million contract. In order to accommodate his contract under the team's salary cap, the Flyers made two high-profile trades an hour before the Bryzgalov signing was first reported, sending Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets (for Jakub Voráček, as well as first- and third-round picks in the 2011 Entry Draft) and captain Mike Richards to the Los Angeles Kings (for Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn and a second-round pick).

On October 27, 2011, following a 9-8 loss to the Winnipeg Jets, Bryzgalov commented on his own play: "I have zero confidence in myself right now," he said. He also likened himself to somebody "lost in the woods" and that "If you probably throw a ball instead of the puck, I'm not gonna stop it." However, Bryzgalov would quickly rebound by winning six of his next eight games.

He would become well known for his comments regarding the Universe during the filming of HBO's 24/7 series - "Solar system is so humongous big, right? But if you see, the like, our solar system and our galaxy on the like on the side, you know, like, and we’re so small — you can never see it — our galaxy is like huge, but if you see the big picture, our galaxy (is like a) small tiny like dot in Universe. Like, and I think like, ‘And we have some problems here on the Earth we worry about?’ Compared to like ... nothing. Just ... be happy. Don’t worry, be happy right now." His comments have resulted in some good fun, including how when requesting information about the Universe, Siri instead returns information about Bryzgalov, referring to him as "Mr Universe."

Bryzgalov made news when he said he believed that Sergei Bobrovsky would be the starter for the 2012 NHL Winter Classic: "I have great news and even better news. Okay, great news is I'm not playing, and better news is we have a chance to win the game.... (I'll) make sure I don't forget my thermos with some nice tea and enjoy the bench," he said. Bobrovsky then started the Winter Classic on January 2, 2012, a 3-2 Flyers loss to the New York Rangers at Citizens Bank Park.

Following a 6-4 loss to Pittsburgh on February 18, 2012, Bryzgalov was quoted as saying, "I know I was frustrated in my game today and I know I have to be better and I will continue to work on this, but ... I will try to find peace in my soul to play in this city."

From March 4 to March 13, 2012, Bryzgalov recorded four shutouts and allowed just two goals over a five-game span. Two days later, on March 15, Bryzgalov set the Flyers all-time record for longest shutout streak, in a game against the New York Islanders.

Bryzgalov was named the NHL's First Star of the Month for March 2012.

On May 8, 2012, the Flyers and Bryzgalov recorded a 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils, and were eliminated in the second round of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs. He recorded a 3.46 goals againstaverage combined with an .887 save percentage during the playoffs.

On March 2, 2013, he won his 200th career game, a 2-1 win against the Ottawa Senators.

On June 25, 2013, Bryzgalov was informed that the Flyers would use a compliance buyout to buy the remaining seven years on his contract.

Las Vegas Wranglers

On October 2, 2013, Bryzgalov signed a try-out contract with the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL. According to the ECHL website, Bryzgalov was signed as an emergency backup goaltender by the Wranglers on October 17, 2013.

Edmonton Oilers

On November 8, 2013, Bryzgalov entered a verbal agreement to sign a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers. He began on a conditioning assignment with the AHL affiliate of Edmonton, the Oklahoma City Barons, but was finally called up to the Oilers on November 17, 2013.

On November 28, 2013, Bryzgalov made his first start of the season with a 3-0 shutout win over the Nashville Predators, stopping all 33 shots. After coming in a relief role the previous night, Bryzgalov posted his 31st career shutout. Coach Dallas Eakins stated after the game, "And he picked up right where he left off last game. I thought he was solid. He looked big in the net, everything. Check marks right across the page for him." Starting goaltender, Devan Dubnyk, sat in as Bryzgalov's backup for the night. However, Bryzgalov was injured only two games later, temporarily halting his bid to supplant Dubnyk to become the Oilers starter. However, Dubnyk was then traded to the Nashville Predators in January, which made Bryzgalov Edmonton's new starter until he was traded.

Minnesota Wild

On March 4, 2014, Bryzgalov was dealt to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. He played well for the Wild down the stretch, posting a 7-1-3 record, and he shared playing time with goaltender Darcy Kuemper in the post-season. The Wild defeated the Colorado Avalanche in the first round but lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in round two. Bryzgalov became an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the season.

Return to Anaheim

On December 3, 2014, Bryzgalov signed a tryout contract with the Anaheim Ducks, the team for which he played from 2001 to 2008.

After a successful tryout, the Ducks signed him to a one-year deal reportedly worth $2.88 million on December 9, 2014.

On February 23, 2015 the Ducks placed Bryzgalov on waivers and he was to play for the Norfolk Admirals, fighting for a #3 position with the Ducks Jason LaBarbera.

However on February 26, 2015 the Ducks put Bryzgalov on unconditional waivers, normally an indication that a team is about to release a player. Shortly thereafter, the Ducks made a public statement saying Bryzgalov would be returning home to his family and not finish the 2014-2015 season with them.

“At the beginning of the NHL season, I spent all of my time with my wife and my children,” said Bryzgalov. “I drove my son and daughter to their practices and games and enjoyed life. I had no plans to return to the NHL this season until the Ducks reached out to my agent, Ritch Winter. I agreed to return because of my respect for the Ducks organization, the quality of the team they had assembled and my long relationship with Bob Murray and the team. Given the way things have worked out, I have decided to return home to be with my wife and children, who did not move with me to Anaheim. It’s not the way I had hoped things would work out. But when you can return to a family you love, could life be any better?”

“Ilya has handled this difficult situation with class and dignity, and I fully understand and accept his decision,” said Murray.” I have great respect for what he’s accomplished in his career, and specifically what he’s done for our franchise. He made an indelible mark on our club in the 2006 and 2007 playoffs and helped us to a championship. That’s not something our organization and fans will soon forget. We wish him the best of luck in the future no matter what he decides to do.”

International play

Medal record
Representing Russia
Ice hockey
World Championship
	2009 Bern
Winter Olympics
	2002 Salt Lake City
World Junior Championships
	2000 Umeå

Bryzgalov competed for Russia in the 2000 World Junior Championships in Umeå. He recorded a 0.77 GAA in 4 games to help Russia to a silver medal. Later that year, he was named to the Russia's senior team for the 2000 World Championships, where he played in 4 games, but failed to reach the podium. Two years later, he competed for Russia at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City earning bronze. Playing in a backup position, Bryzgalov did not appear in any games. He played in a more expanded role, however, at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, playing in 240 minutes and recording a 2.34 GAA in 3 games. Bryzgalov received his first international gold medal at the 2009 World Championships, beating Canada in the final.

Personal

Ilya and his wife, Yevgeniya have a daughter, Valery and son, Vladislav. The family lived in Yorba Linda during Bryzgalov's tenure with the Ducks. He spent five summers attending college in Russia, where he earned his degree, allowing him to teach and coach in Russian schools. He reads books and enjoys studying philosophy. He did not emulate anyone in particular as a young goalie, instead focusing on being the best he could be.

HBO 24/7

Bryzgalov gained a lot of attention for his appearance in the first episode of 24/7: Road to the Winter Classic in which he famously described the Solar System as "humangous big" while explaining the absurdity of human problems in comparison to the enormity of the universe.

Career statistics

Regular season

Season	Team	League		GP	W	L	T	OTL	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
1999-00	HC Spartak Moscow	VL		10	—	—	—	—	500	21	0	2.52	—
1999-00	Lada Togliatti	RSL		14	—	—	—	—	796	18	3	1.36	.930
2000-01	Lada Togliatti	RSL		34	—	—	—	—	1992	61	8	1.84	.912
2001-02	Cincinnati Mighty Ducks	AHL		45	20	16	4	—	2399	99	4	2.48	.916
2001-02	Mighty Ducks of Anaheim	NHL		1	0	0	0	—	32	1	0	1.88	.917
2002-03	Cincinnati Mighty Ducks	AHL		54	12	26	9	—	3020	142	1	2.82	.910
2003-04	Cincinnati Mighty Ducks	AHL		64	27	25	10	—	3748	145	6	2.32	.919
2003-04	Mighty Ducks of Anaheim	NHL		1	1	0	0	—	60	2	0	2.00	.929
2004-05	Cincinnati Mighty Ducks	AHL		36	17	13	—	1	2007	87	4	2.60	.902
2005-06	Mighty Ducks of Anaheim	NHL		31	13	12	—	1	1575	66	1	2.51	.910
2006-07	Anaheim Ducks	NHL		27	10	8	—	6	1509	62	1	2.47	.907
2007-08	Anaheim Ducks	NHL		9	2	3	—	1	447	19	0	2.55	.909
2007-08	Phoenix Coyotes	NHL		55	26	22	—	5	3167	128	3	2.43	.921
2008-09	Phoenix Coyotes	NHL		65	26	31	—	6	3760	187	3	2.98	.906
2009-10	Phoenix Coyotes	NHL		69	42	20	—	6	4084	156	8	2.29	.920
2010-11	Phoenix Coyotes	NHL		68	36	20	—	10	4060	168	7	2.48	.921
2011-12	Philadelphia Flyers	NHL		59	33	16	—	7	3415	141	6	2.48	.909
2012-13	CSKA Moscow	KHL		12	6	5	—	0	647	23	0	2.13	.913
2012-13	Philadelphia Flyers	NHL		40	19	17	—	3	2298	107	1	2.79	.900
2013-14	Oklahoma City Barons	AHL		2	1	1	—	0	119	6	0	3.03	.880
2013-14	Edmonton Oilers	NHL		20	5	8	—	5	1135	57	1	3.01	.908
2013-14	Minnesota Wild	NHL		12	7	1	—	3	679	24	3	2.12	.911
2014-15	Norfolk Admirals	AHL		2	1	1	—	0	119	5	0	2.53	.915
2014-15	Anaheim Ducks	NHL		8	1	4	—	1	329	23	0	4.19	.847
NHL totals				465	221	162	0	54	26,550	1141	34	2.58	.912
RSL totals				48	—	—	—	—	2788	79	11	1.70	—

Playoffs

Season	Team	League		GP	W	L	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
2000	Lada Togliatti	RSL		7	—	—	407	10	1	1.47	—
2001	Lada Togliatti	RSL		5	—	—	249	8	0	1.93	—
2004	Cincinnati Mighty Ducks	AHL		9	5	4	536	27	1	3.02	.909
2005	Cincinnati Mighty Ducks	AHL		7	3	3	314	13	0	2.48	.904
2006	Mighty Ducks of Anaheim	NHL		11	6	4	659	16	3	1.46	.944
2007	Anaheim Ducks	NHL		5	3	1	267	10	0	2.25	.922
2010	Phoenix Coyotes	NHL		7	3	4	419	24	0	3.44	.906
2011	Phoenix Coyotes	NHL		4	0	4	234	17	0	4.36	.879
2012	Philadelphia Flyers	NHL		11	5	6	642	37	0	3.46	.887
2014	Minnesota Wild	NHL		9	3	6	479	21	1	2.63	.885
NHL totals				47	20	25	2700	125	4	2.78	.905
RSL totals				12	—	—	656	18	1	1.65	—

International

Year	Team	Event	Place			GP	W	L	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
2000	Russia	WJC	02 !			4	—	—	234	3	1	0.77	.971
2000	Russia	WC	11th			4	—	—	218	10	0	2.75	.880
2002	Russia	OG	03 !			0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2004	Russia	WCH	5th			3	2	1	180	7	0	2.33	.897
2006	Russia	OG	4th			1	0	1	60	5	0	5.00	.861
2009	Russia	WC	01 !			7	7	0	404	14	1	2.09	.929
2010	Russia	OG	6th			2	0	1	101	3	0	1.78	.942
2013	Russia	WC	6th			4	3	1	218	8	1	2.20	.901

Transactions

• June 24, 2000 — Drafted by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the second round, 44th overall.
• November 17, 2007 — Claimed off waivers by the Phoenix Coyotes from the Anaheim Ducks.
• June 7, 2011 — Traded to the Philadelphia Flyers for Matt Clackson, a third-round draft pick in 2012 and a conditional draft pick.
• June 23, 2011 — Signed a nine-year, $51 million deal with the Philadelphia Flyers.
• June 26, 2013 — Remaining seven years on his contract bought out by the Philadelphia Flyers.
• November 8, 2013 — Signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers.
• March 4, 2014 — Traded to the Minnesota Wild for a fourth-round draft pick in 2014.
• December 9, 2014 — Signed a one-year, $2.88 million deal with the Anaheim Ducks.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]