Red Wings Sign Evgeni Nabokov to One-Year Contract

The Detroit Red Wings announced today that they have signed goaltender Evgeni Nabokov to a one-year contract worth $570,000. He will have to pass through waivers first before he can join the team. The contract includes a no-movement clause and he cannot be put back on waivers after Friday without his permission. Nabokov was released from SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL last December after signing a four-year contract with the team this past summer. He will be ineligible to play in the AHL this season because of a rule regarding free agents coming from Europe after December 15. 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. In 593 career NHL games, all with the Sharks, he has a 293-178-37 record, 50 shutouts, a 2.39 GAA, and a .912 save percentage. This is a good signing for the Red Wings, as Nabokov will add lots of veteran depth and stability in goal for the team. With Chris Osgood currently sidelined with a hernia and Jimmy Howard struggling a bit in net, Nabokov will be a welcome addition for Detroit. However, in my opinion, it is very unlikely that he will clear waivers by noon tomorrow. There are plenty of playoff-bound teams, such as Washington, Atlanta, Minnesota, Nashville, Colorado, Anaheim, and even San Jose, who could use some help in goal. Also, his contract is very affordable and nearly every team in the NHL would be able to fit it under the salary cap. Plus, teams who don't really need goaltending help could still claim Nabokov off waivers to keep the Red Wings from officially landing him. Sorry Red Wings fans, I don't think you will be seeing Nabokov in Detroit this season.