Pittsburgh Penguins Rumors: Are Pens looking at Ilya Bryzgalov?

With the regular season only a mere few days away from beginning, Pittsburgh Penguins’ general manager is likely searching for any and every option to improve the Penguins roster for the 2013-14 campaign.

Could one option be former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov?

Apr 23, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (30) sits on the bench against the Boston Bruins during the second period at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

With backup goaltender Tomas Vokoun currently on the IR after experiencing a scary situation with a blood clot, Shero would be wise to look at upgrading the goaltending situation for the short term.

ProHockeyTalk’s James O’Brien is reporting (via Lisa Hillary), that the Pens do have some interest in the 33-year old netminder.

It wouldn’t be the worst move in the world for the Penguins to consider.

While Bryzgalov struggled in a Flyers uniform, he was very solid during his stint in Phoenix. As a backup he would provide some pretty solid insurance for Marc-Andre Fleury, something the Penguins need, and should come at a fairly inexpensive price.

NHL.com’s Adam Kimmelman believes that the Penguins would make room for Bryzgalov by placing Vokoun on the LTIR.

However while it makes sense that the Penguins would be interested in signing or dealing for a veteran backup right now, that doesn’t mean they are pursuing any options at the moment.

Shero is likely just doing his due diligence and kicking the tires on all options.

As of now, the Penguins haven’t bought Bryzgalov, or any other goaltender for that matter, in for a tryout.