NY Islanders Sign Evgeni Nabokov to One-Year Extension

The New York Islanders have announced that they have re-signed goaltender Evgeni Nabokov to a one-year contract extension worth $2.75 million. He would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. In 41 games so far this season, he has an 18-18-3 record, two shutouts, a 2.54 GAA, and a .913 save percentage. This is a solid move for the Islanders, as Nabokov has been fairly steady in net all season despite the team's place in the standings. He will be an excellent option in goal next season, especially if Rick Dipietro is sidelined for a long period of time with an injury, which has become the norm for him every year.

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.

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.

Report: Nabokov Signs Deal to Play in Russia

According to multiple reports, goaltender Evgeni Nabokov has signed a four-year contract to play with St. Petersburg of the KHL. He became an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but is still on the market as teams have gone for less expensive options in goal. In 71 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, Nabokov posted a 44-16-10 record, three shutouts, a 2.43 GAA, and a .922 save percentage. He has played his whole NHL career in San Jose. I'm actually kind of surprised by these reports, as Nabokov seemed to be on a lot of teams' radars. More than likely, his asking price was too much for many NHL teams, who have opted to go for more affordable goaltending talent this summer. The KHL just got themselves a very talented goalie.

***UPDATE***
The deal is reported now to be a six-year contract worth $24 million.

Report: Flyers & Sharks Reach Agreement on Nabokov's Rights

According to CSNPhilly.com, the Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks have reached a verbal agreement in which the Flyers would acquire the negotiating rights to goaltender Evgeni Nabokov in exchange for a seventh round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The Sharks would get the pick if the Flyers are able to sign Nabokov before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Sharks' general manager would not confirm the deal, but stated that there are some issues surrounding the negotiations and could take several days to complete. I'll have more analysis on this potential deal when more news becomes available, but if the Flyers are able to sign Nabokov, they definitely would have found the answer to their goaltending problems. However, Nabokov could command at least $5 million per season, so unless he is willing to play for $1.5 million or less, the Flyers will have to unload some salary in order to afford the Russian netminder, which should ramp up the Jeff Carter trade rumors over the next few days.