For a while it looked like the Detroit Red Wings were in prime position to pick up goalie Evgeni Nabokov after signing him earlier in the week, but the New York Islanders seemingly spoiled those plans. Now, though, it looks like they'll need Nabokov to have a change of heart.
According to TSN, Nabokov, who was claimed off waivers by the Islanders, will not report to the Islanders. Nabokov was signed by the Red Wings on Thursday, but in order for him to join Detroit, he would first have to clear waivers.
Since the Islanders had the better waiver priority, they were able to jump in and grab Nabokov, who, is apparently not a fan of the move. The Islanders will likely suspend Nabokov if reports of his unwillingness to join the Isles are true.
Despite the rumors, Islanders general manager Garth Snow is expecting Nabokov to become part of the New York organization.
"We haven't talked to the player yet, we've left messages," Snow told TSN. "We've booked him a flight out of Oakland and we look forward to having him be a part of our organization."
Nabokov had been playing in the KHL when the Red Wings signed the veteran netminder. He finished the 2009-10 season in the NHL with a 44-16-10 record to go along with a goals against average of 2.43 and a save percentage of .922 in what was the final year of a 10-year run with the San Jose Sharks.
