It was just a few days ago when it was announced that Evgeni Nabokov's KHL team, St. Petersburg, had mutually released him and already rumors of the former National Hockey League goalie are heating up.
Although it has been widely reported that not too many teams are interested in Nabokov, there is no doubt his impressive NHL statistics have and will continue to draw attention from more than one NHL team. With that, the question must be asked: where might the former Olympian land?
It's true; there are not many teams interested in his services, but of the teams who are, the Tampa Bay Lightning may be the most interested.
The Lightning currently sit 29th in the NHL when it comes to goals allowed, averaging 3.39 goals against per game. Though their offence has been keeping them in games, a team can only go so far with such poor defence and goaltending.
Nabokov could be their answer.
The 34-year-old has played in 563 NHL regular season games over ten seasons. During those ten seasons, Nabokov is 293-178-37, has a goals against average of 2.39 and a save percentage of .912. He has been named an All-Star on three occasions and was named to the 2000-2001 all-rookie team.
The only problem is that the Lightning currently have about $3.7 million locked up between goalies Mike Smith and Dan Ellis, both of whom have struggled this season.
Despite the Lightning's interest, the Washington Capitals could also be a possible contender for Nabokov, according to TheFourthPeriod.com.
Nabokov would add some experience to a currently inexperienced goaltending duo of Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth. However, the report states that the Capitals are set on sticking with Varlamov and Neuvirth, who are both playing outstanding this season.
The report also says that if Nabokov signs an NHL contract contract this year, he must first clear waivers.
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lukas@gacksports.com
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