SPORTSNET.CA

Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin has been placed on waivers by the Chicago Blackhawks.

Chicago general manager Dale Tallon confirmed the move to Hockeycentral@Noon. Teams have until noon Tuesday to put in a claim for the 35-year-old.

There is speculation that the move could be in anticipation of a trade, with Los Angeles one of those teams thought to be a destination. The Kings today demoted highly touted goaltending prospect Jonathan Bernier to Manchester of the American Hockey League.

Khabibulin is entering the final season of a US$27-million, four-year contract. He joined the Blackhawks from Tampa Bay as a free agent after leading the Lightning to the 2004 Stanley Cup.

The Blackhawks signed free agent goalie Cristobal Huet to a $22.5-million, four-year deal in July, giving them two top goaltenders.

Khabibulin went 23-20-6 last season with a 2.63 goals-against average.

- with files from Canadian Press