Oilers Sign Goaltender Khabibulin to Four-Year Contract

The Edmonton Oilers finally got the quality starting goaltender that they have been seeking. Just hours after losing Dwayne Roloson to the New York Islanders, the Oilers signed goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin to a four-year contract worth $15 million. The deal averages out to $3.75 million per season, which $3 million less than he earned last season. The Chicago Blackhawks had been interested in retaining his services, but would have likely had to sacrifice younger star players and prospects to afford a new contract for the netminder. In 42 games with the Blackhawks last season, he posted a 25-8-7 record with a 2.33 GAA and a .919 save percentage. This is an excellent signing for the Oilers, as Khabibulin really turned his game around last season after struggling during the 2007-08 season. His presence in goal will make the Oilers a very competitive team next season in the Western Conference, and at $3.75 million per season, is a very reasonable signing.