WILD ACQUIRE BRYZGALOV FROM EDMONTON
The Minnesota Wild acquired goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov from the Edmonton Oilers for a fourth-round draft pick in 2014.
What does it give the Minnesota Wild
The Wild had been linked to several goaltenders recently, including {P Ryan Miller} (who went to St. Louis), {P Jaroslav Halak} and {P Martin Brodeur}. Instead, they opted for Russian veteran Bryzgalov. This is probably good news for Minnesota rookie goalkeeper {P Darcy Kuemper}, who may continue to see a lot of action down the stretch. He'll have Bryzgalov in support and ready to step in. Clearly, the Wild love Kuemper's upside and decided to go with insurance in net, instead of a brand new starter.
What does it give the Edmonton Oilers
This is a solid move by the Oilers, who decided to keep {P Ben Scrivens} in the fold and also acquired {P Victor Fasth} from Anaheim in a corresponding move. Bryzgalov wasn't the savior Edmonton needed for him to be, so the club parted ways with him and got back a fourth rounder in return. For the next little while, at least, the Oilers will go forward with a tandem of Scrivens and Fasth.
Fantasy impact
The big winner here might be Kuemper, though Bryzgalov will get a shot at playing behind a much stronger defensive squad in Minnesota. Both Wild netminders should see a spike in fantasy value for different reasons, then. Scrivens and Fasth are sleepers heading into 2014-15, but fantasy value will be determined by the outcome of their battle for playing time...which begins immediately.
