Isles Claim Nabokov Off Waivers, Block Wings' Move
UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- The New York Islanders are getting much needed help in the nets, snatching veteran goalie Evgeni Nabokov away from the Detroit Red Wings just days after he signed to play in Hockeytown.
The Islanders said Saturday that they claimed the 35-year-old Nabokov off waivers from the Red Wings, who signed him to a one-year contract Thursday. Nabokov spent this season with SKA St. Petersburg of the Russian KHL and hadn't yet played for Detroit.
The NHL's collective bargaining agreement says that anyone who plays in a professional league before signing an NHL contract must clear waivers.
The Islanders have struggled in goal because of injuries to Rick DiPietro and the trade of Dwayne Roloson to the Tampa Bay Lightning this month.
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