Nikolai Khabibulin on Waivers

***UPDATE***
The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that Nikolai Khabibulin has cleared waivers. Speculation continues that Khabibulin could still be traded. It is also possible that he could be placed on re-entry waivers, where a team that claims him would only be responsible for paying half of his $6.75 million salary.

The Chicago Blackhawks reported on Monday that they have placed veteran goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin on waivers, leading to speculation that it could be the precursor to a trade. If Khabibulin clears waivers, he could be placed on re-entry waivers, where a team would only be responsible for half of his salary if claimed. Khabibulin has been the subject of trade rumors since last season, in which he struggled in net for the Blackhawks. Khabibulin played in 50 games last season for Chicago, winning 23 games and posting a 2.63 goals against average. Trade speculation increased after the Blackhawks signed netminder Cristobal Huet over the summer. Khabibulin's high salary ($6.75 million) and his declining skills have made it difficult for the Blackhawks to find any takers. Khabibulin could still provide plenty of goaltending depth to teams that are looking to add a veteran. The Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators have been rumored looking for goaltending depth, and could consider Khabibulin, though the Senators would have to dump salary to take him on and appear set with Gerber and Auld in net. The Kings need to get up to the salary cap floor, and Khabibulin's salary would certainly help, as well as give them a capable starting goaltender, something they are currently seeking.