BY WEB STAFF
sportsnet.ca

Free agent goaltender Evgeni Nabokov is off the market and off to Russia for the next four years.

Nabokov signed a four-year, US$24-million contract with SKA Saint Petersburg, Sportsnet's John Shannon confirmed Wednesday.

Nabokov, 34, became a free agent after San Jose decided not to re-sign the 10-year veteran.

The Russian goaltender posted a 44-26 record with a 2.43 goals against average last season, helping the Sharks reach the Western Conference final this year, where they were swept by Chicago.

The Sharks have signed goalie Antero Niittymaki who played 49 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning last season, posting 21 wins and a 2.87 goals against average and who could be the potential starter. It's is believed they will give backup Thomas Greiss, who started 11 games this season and also played for Germany in the Olympics, a look. As well as minor league goalie Alex Stalock, who won 39 games and had a 2.63 goals against average with Worcester in the AHL.