Source: Nabokov won't report to Islanders
The Islanders claimed Russian goaltender Evgeni Nabokov off waivers at noon Saturday, but a source familiar with the situation told Newsday he will not report.
Nabokov signed a one-year deal with Detroit as a free agent Thursday, but because he played in Russia's KHL this season, he first had to clear waivers to join the Red Wings. The Islanders jumped at the opportunity to snag the veteran, but he doesn't seem to share their enthusiasm.
Although a source told Newsday that general manager Garth Snow has spoken with Nabokov's agent, Don Meehan, and has been informed of Nabokov's intentions, Snow scoffed at the possibility that the goalie won't report. "We claimed him off waivers and he has a standard player contract," Snow said when reached by phone Saturday. "Our position is that he is a New York Islander and we look forward to having him."
Snow didn't want to comment further until he heard from Nabokov. He left a voice mail for Nabokov and also booked him on a flight from San Jose to Long Island. "He's a New York Islander. When we claimed him, we assumed that contract," Snow said. "We picked up a player off waivers - a good goaltender - and he's New York Islanders property."
The 35-year-old netminder has the right not to report, but he would have to sit out the remainder of the season. Snow did not divulge what he plans to do if that happens. "We'll cross that bridge once we get there,'' Snow said. "To me, that's not an issue right now.''
Nabokov, who recorded 293 wins in a 10-year career with San Jose, became a free agent in December when he was released from his contract with SKA St. Petersburg of Russia's KHL. He posted an 8-8-5 record in 22 games for St. Petersburg with a 3.02 goals-against average and an .888 save percentage.
"His resume speaks for itself," Snow said about claiming Nabokov. "I thought he'd be a good addition to our team."
The former All-Star and Vezina Trophy finalist was an enticing option for the Islanders for a couple of reasons. He came with a modest price tag - the one-year, $570,000 contract he signed with Detroit works out to roughly $250,000 when prorated for the remainder of the season. He'd also add some veteran experience to a position that has been in a significant state of flux for the Islanders.
Veteran Dwayne Roloson was traded to Tampa Bay earlier this month, and coach Jack Capuano has doled out starts between oft-injured Rick DiPietro and rookies Nathan Lawson and Kevin Poulin since then. But Lawson suffered an injury to his left knee Friday night and DiPietro has battled the flu.
There also has been some concern as to whether the 20-year-old Poulin's development will be affected adversely by such a hasty promotion.
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