On the ever-popular Bobby Bonilla Day, one can't help but think of Ilya Bryzgalov.
Sorry, Flyers fans. Seriously, we couldn't help it.
July 1 is the day Bonilla, the now 58-year-old former big leaguer, gets paid around $1.19 million every year by the Mets, stemming from a contract buyout back in 2000. Astoundingly, the Mets' annual payments to Bonilla started in 2011 and go through 2035.
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Bryzgalov can raise his glass to Bonilla.
In Philadelphia, the ex-Flyers goalie is remembered more for his interesting personality and peculiar sound bites rather than his play in net. Back on June 23, 2011, the Flyers inked Bryzgalov to a nine-year, $51 million contract. Two years later, the Flyers bought out his contract. As a result, per CapFriendly.com, the Flyers owe the 41-year-old Bryzgalov $1,642,857 every year through the 2026-27 season, buyout payments that are spanning 14 years.
Bryzgalov went 33-16-7 with a 2.48 goals-against average and .909 save percentage for the Flyers in his first season. However, he was not very good in the playoffs, saw his numbers drop the next season and the Flyers realized how difficult the contract would be on their cap for years to come.
If Carter Hart remains the organization's future between the pipes, he could be in his ninth season with the Flyers when the club is paying Bryzgalov the final year of the buyout.
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Bobby and Bryz, still counting the big bucks.
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