Bryz says he'll play in Russia if there's a lockout

Of course, we’re hoping it doesn’t come to this, but if there’s an NHL lockout, goalie Ilya Bryzgalov has a Plan B ready to go.

In an interview with Sovetsky Sport translated via Puck Daddy, Bryzgalov lets on that he intends to play in Russia if there’s no NHL season this year. In fact, he says, he regrets not heading to the KHL the last time there was a lockout, in 2004. Bryz was playing in the AHL at the time.

That said, Bryzgalov also understands that playing in Russia isn’t for everyone.

“I will [play in the KHL in the event of a lockout],” he said. “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.”

The current CBA, as Bryzgalov mentions, is set to expire on Sept. 15. The NHL and Players Association were back in meetings Wednesday, working on drafting a new version.