So where will Evgeni Nabokov ultimately end up? It is an excellent question but one thing is for sure and that is the fact that he will report to the New York Islanders. The reasons why he did not play at all this year really ring hollow at this juncture. Does anyone really believe Nabokov considering he would have been in “game shape” lickety split if he had not been plucked off waivers? Realistically, he will likely not play one regular season game as a member of the Islanders. After what transpired last year, the Isles might be smart to just stick with what developed.
Al Montoya worked well and should be 100% by training camp after having surgery following an injuries at this year’s World Championships. Rick DiPietro seems to be the backup at this time and is the healthiest in several years. How long that lasts is anyone’s guess but that seems to be the plan going into the season. The Islanders used six goalies last year and Nabokov might have been #7 but no one will ever know that now.
Losing a full year of NHL hockey will hurt Nabokov no question. His regular season numbers cannot be disputed but the playoffs were always another story. However, going down the slide towards 40 (at 36), the Russian netminder is likely to face more questions than have answers. Clearly all he wanted to do was play for the Detroit Red Wings but that was not going to be the case. The problem is the Islanders stepped in and claimed him and look, they had every right to do so.
Nabokov will play in the pre-season and then from there who knows. This is definitely a case where we are going to know more by next month. Is he really in the shape he claims to be? We are going to find out soon enough. He should be able to easily compete in training camp or well let’s put it this way, be showcased for another team to come in. Either way, Nabokov actually playing regular season games on Long Island is rather remote at best.
His fantasy standing will be determined at training camp so right now it would be best to draft late and wait instead of jumping too soon. The question is which team does he ultimately wind up with? Cheap goalies like that do not come along with that pedigree. It is food for thought.
