The last time Ilya Bryzgalov played in Russia, he was a 20-year-old suiting up for Lada Togliatti of the Super League.
Twelve years later, he might be going back.
Bryzgalov, now 32, told SovSport that if there’s a NHL work stoppage this fall, he’ll take his talents to the KHL.
SovSport: If there is a lockout, would all players go to Russia?
Bryzgalov: I will. But I wouldn’t talk for everyone. Some players like Switzerland, Germany… I cannot make any decisions about the KHL myself until September 15. The lockout won’t be announced until that day. So I have a contract with Philadelphia.
It’s unclear which Russian team Bryzgalov would consider playing with. His former club, Togliatti, has since been relegated to the second division (VHL, or Russian Major League) and during the last lockout, he played with Anaheim’s AHL affiliate in Cincinnati.