SPORTSNET.CA
The National Hockey League’s most expensive crease is in Chicago and it could stay that way for a while.
Jay Grossman, the agent for Nikolai Khabibulin, told Hockeycentral it might take some time to find a fit for the goaltender with another team. Khabibulin passed through waivers last week and Grossman said he was surprised something didn’t get done with either another NHL team or one in the Continental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia.
Grossman has been granted permission by the Blackhawks to speak with other teams about his client and though he has had talks with several teams, Grossman has been unable to secure a deal. The Blackhawks were hoping Grossman could arrange a loan agreement with a KHL team that would at least alleviate the financial burden.
Khabibulin is in the final year of a four-year deal that will pay the 35-year-old $6.75 million this season.
Meanwhile, in July the ‘Hawks signed free agent Cristobal Huet to a four-year deal worth $22.45 million. Dale Tallon, the Blackhawks GM, said Tuesday that Khabibulin would start the season with the team.
