Isles Re-Sign Nabokov

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Islanders Sign Evgeni Nabokov To A One-Year Extension

Official New York Islanders Press Release -  The New York Islanders announced today that goaltender Evgeni Nabokov has agreed to terms on a one-year contract for the 2012-13 season.  “I’m thrilled to commit to this team for next season,” Nabokov said. “We have a great group in the locker room of young, talented players and we’re heading in the right direction. I’m excited to have the chance to help get this team back to the playoffs.” Nabokov, has a 17-18-3 record this season with a 2.56 goals against average and a .912 save percentage. The Kamenogorsk, KZ, native leads all Islanders goalies in games played, wins, goals against average and saves percentage. He is 11-7-3 in his last 21 games. “Evgeni has proven that he can still play at an elite level in the NHL,” Islanders General Manager Garth Snow said. “He’s given us a chance to win every night and we’re excited to have him back for another season.”  The Islanders claimed Nabokov off of waivers on Jan. 22, 2011. He was drafted in the ninth round, 219th overall, of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks. In nine NHL seasons with San Jose, Nabokov appeared in 563 games, posting a 293-178-29-37 (W-L-T-OT) record with a 2.39 GAA and a .912 save%. He also played in 80 NHL playoff games with San Jose, posting a 40-38 record with a 2.29 GAA and a .913 save%. With 310 career wins, Nabokov ranks 22nd all time on the NHL wins list; he ranks fourth in wins behind active goaltenders, trailing Martin Brodeur (651), Roberto Luongo (335) and Nikolai Khabibulin (328). A two-time NHL All-Star, Nabokov played in the 2001 and 2008 NHL All-Star Games and was named to the NHL First All-Star Team for the 2007-08 season. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s best rookie in 2000-01 and was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team.  On the International stage, Nabokov has represented Russia at the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympic Games. He also played at the 2008 and 2011 World Championships, backstopping Russia to a Gold Medal in 2008.

CONTRACT DETAILS: Length: 1 Year (2012-13) Cap-Hit: $2,750,000 Pay-Out Details: 2012-2013  $2,750,000

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Last season Evgeni Nabokov was claimed off of waivers by the New York Islanders from the Detroit Red Wings. Nabokov refused to report to the Isles and for months the media ripped apart the Islanders organization. In the off-season, the Islanders chose to 'toll' his contract which meant that his one-year deal was carried over to this season. He decided to give in and join the Isles for the 2011-12 season. Not one person in the world of hockey would have expected him to play more than that one season with the Islanders (if that), but with this news that will officially happen. 

This season started out disappointing for Nabokov with eight losses in his first twelve games of the season. Around new years however, his luck began to change for the better. His play improved and the wins began to flow. He earned the starting job and was given the large responsibility of being the backbone of the team's playoff run. With a 17-18-3 record, he has given the Islanders a chance to win most nights that he's been in the net. 

Heading up to the trade deadline Nabokov was the most coveted Islanders player, but it became abundantly clear that Garth Snow and the Islanders had plans for Nabokov. Many well-respected media members made note of a potential extension waiting to be agreed upon by Nabokov and the Isles. As we've seen today, that has come to fruition. Nabokov has been terrific for the Islanders and by getting him for another season it gives added stability to the Islanders goaltending situation. Of coarse it gives them a goalie that will be able to help them into the playoffs, but it will also help ease both Kevin Poulin or Anders Nilsson into full-time NHL duties with the aid of veteran guidance. 

This signing also gives the Islanders a little bit more respectability. After being ridiculed and humiliated by Nabokov's actions last year, the fact that his perception of the club has changed this much shows that the organization is not as bad as many NHL players seem to think. Who knows if it makes any long lasting impact, but I've already seen message boards explode with shock and newfound respect for the club. 

Regardless of the contract I would have said that this would be a good move, but it is very impressive how solid of a deal it is for the Isles. With a cap-hit of only $2,750,000 it will open up the possibility of spending a little more on PA Parenteau's extension. Also, the fact that there is not a no-trade or no-movement clause is very significant. The Isles now have a lot more versatility with Nabokov, and if things don't go well next season they can trade him off at the deadline for a great return. However, I doubt that ends up happening as next season looks to be a year for the Islanders to either make the playoffs or have a legitimate push.