Nabokov to the Islanders

Photocredit: http://gcaggiano.wordpress.com/

For those of you that don't know, yesterday the Wings agreed to a one-year deal with former Shark goaltender Evgeni Nabokov. The move was made as an attempt to strengthen the injury struck goalie core of the Wings. Howard is banged up and Ozzie is out for awhile after having sports hernia surgery.

Because of the rules from the latest collective bargaining agreement... and I don't know the exact lettering of it... but basically a player signing from the KHL to the NHL must clear waivers. 27 NHL teams had a chance to claim Evgeni, and they had 24 hours to do so. The waiting game begins...

And at 12:07, it was discovered by this bearded blogger via tweet, that one of my favorite goalies, had been claimed... by the New York Islanders... Let me just say on behalf of Hockeytown and hockey fans... Ewww.

I wanted Detroit to go out and get Nabokov when the trade rumors were flying around him, a few years back when we released Legace and our goalie situation was a mystery. We had Ozzie back but no starter, (ended up signing former Wing Dominick Hasek that year.)

This would have been a great edition. A veteran backup to split time with Howard, who has experience in pressure situations... granted he never succeeded up to the WIngs standard under pressure, but he has more experience than Jimmy. He could have been a useful asset for Detroit.

Here's what I'm hoping... Evgeni can opt not to play for the Islanders, but can't be traded by the Isle. So it's Isle or no one for Evgeni, it will really test if he wants to play in the NHL or not. I hope he plays. But here's what I really want... I want him to decide to come back to the NHL last year, and sign with our beloved Red Wings. Ozzie will probably retire, he's got hi 400th win, and no offense ot him, probably doesn't have anything left in the tank. Give Nabby a one or two year deal, for maybe a million per, and it's the perfect situation for both sides. Nabby gets a chance at a cup and an NHL job, Howie and the Wings get a reliable veteran backup.

On a side note, do not rule out Ken Holland trying to make a trade for a goalie. One guy I have recently heard coem up is Jean-Sebastien Giguere, who said he would waive his no trade clause to play for the Red Wings. Another goalie that I love and have loved, this move would be a good one as well. Obviously Ken would have to make the money match (Giggy makes 6 mil, but for only one year) but if Howie's knee is still bothering him, it's something the Wings have to look at.

Don't be surprised if at the trade deadline or even soon, Giggy ends up a Red Wing....