By IAN MENDES
Sportsnet.ca
The Ottawa Senators have no interest in Nikolai Khabibulin, even though the star netminder was placed on waivers by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Bryan Murray told reporters in Sweden on Tuesday morning that Khabibulin's price tag is too steep for the Senators to take on their payroll.
"He makes $6.75 million. So whether he's a top goalie or not doesn't matter. We couldn't bring him on," said Murray.
The Senators have been rumored to be interested in Khabibulin dating back to last season's trade deadline. The club has just under $3 million left under the salary cap, with their regular season starting on Saturday in Stockholm.
Murray's comments on Tuesday seem to indicate the club has no interest in tinkering with their goaltending tandem of Martin Gerber and Alex Auld.
"The ways the guys have played in camp, Craig (Hartsburg) is very comfortable," he added.
Notes: Christoph Schubert skated as a forward in practice on Tuesday morning. With Luke Richardson on the roster, the club appears set with seven defenseman - forcing Schubert back up front ... 2008 first round pick Erik Karlsson was impressive in a Swedish League game on Monday night, with the Senators brass in attendance. He scored a goal and added an assist for Frolunda, which impressed Murray. "Obviously he has a chance to be a good offensive defensman in the NHL. The year over here won't hurt him." ... Mike Fisher skated for a second consecutive day with the team, after missing last week with a groin injury. He told reporters he would be ready for the regular season games this weekend ... How was the first night of sleep overseas for head coach Craig Hartsburg? "I slept like a baby," he told reporters. "I woke up every two hours."
