The New York Islanders this afternoon suspended goaltender Evgeni Nabokov who has refused to report to the team after being claimed by the Islanders. Nabokov signed a one year contract with the Detroit Red Wings last week but first had to clear waivers to join the Red Wings.
The Islanders who own the third worst record in the NHL and are not in contention to compete for a playoff spot, claimed Nabokov in a move that doesn’t make much sense.
The Islanders have the option of putting Nabokov back on waivers but GM Garth Snow won’t give it up and has instead opted to suspend Nabokov for not reporting.
The ugly part of this situation is that with the Islanders suspending Nabokov, he will now remain under contract with the Islanders for next season, if he stays suspended, therefore won’t become an unrestricted free agent.
