Evgeni Nabokov is apparently not happy that the New York Islanders claimed him off waivers and will not report to the team.
Islanders GM Garth Snow said he talked to Nabokov’s agent, Don Meehan, but wouldn’t elaborate on the conversation, although he expects Nabokov to honour his contract.
“We haven’t talked to the player yet, we’ve left messages,” Snow said. “We’ve booked him a flight out of Oakland and we look forward to having him be a part of our organization.”
TSN reports that if Nabokov does not report the Islanders choices will either be to suspend him or place him back on waivers.
Nabokov has signed with the Detroit Red Wings, and wants to play there. NHL rules, however, stipulate that a player must clear waivers prior to returning to the league.
Nabokov became a free agent in December when he was released from his contract with Russian club SKA St. Petersburg. He had prevbiously spent 10 seasons with the San Jose Sharks.
In nine NHL seasons with San Jose, Nabokov posted a 293-178-29-37 record with a 2.39 goals-against average.