Showing posts with label Nikolai Khabibulin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nikolai Khabibulin. Show all posts
Thursday, July 2, 2009
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.
Monday, September 29, 2008
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.
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.
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