NY Islanders Claim Evgeni Nabokov Off Waivers from Red Wings

The New York Islanders announced today that they have claimed goaltender Evgeni Nabokov off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings. However, according to tsn.ca, Nabokov has decided he will not report to the Islanders, meaning the team will probably suspend him for not reporting and could put him back on waivers. The contract Nabokov signed with the Red Wings includes a no-movement clause and he cannot be put back on waivers without his permission. He became a free agent this past December after being released by SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. In 22 games with the Russian club, he posted an 8-8-5 record, with a 3.02 GAA and a .888 save percentage. In 71 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, he posted a 44-16-10 record, three shutouts, a 2.43 GAA, and a .922 save percentage. This move comes as no surprise, as it was unlikely Nabokov would clear waivers given his skill level and very affordable salary. He's a good pick-up for the Islanders assuming he will play for the team. If he does, he will provide a lot of stability in net for the Islanders after trading Dwayne Roloson to the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier this month and losing Rick Dipietro to a groin injury. Dipietro, however, is day-to-day and isn't expected to miss a lot of time. If Nabokov hits the waiver wire again, he will likely be claimed. As for Detroit, they will likely continue to rotate Joey MacDonald, Thomas McCollum, or Jordan Pearce as the backup goaltender while Chris Osgood continues to recover from sports hernia surgery. However, with Jimmy Howard's struggles in net over the past two months, I wouldn't rule out the Red Wings possibly making a trade for a backup goaltender between now and the February 28 trade deadline.