The New York Islanders have re-signed Evgeni Nabokov to a one-year, $3.25 million deal.
Nabokov played the last two seasons for the Islanders and was the team's undisputed starting goalie during the 2012-13 season. The team had hoped to re-sign the netminder prior to the start of free agency, but Nabokov had hoped to obtain a better deal from another club.
Nabokov went 23-11-7 during the 2012-13 season with a 2.50 goals-against average and .910 save percentage. He helped the Islanders return to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2007. However, he recorded a 4.44 GAA and a .842 save percentage in the six playoff games.
The Islanders were reportedly interested in signing Ray Emery, but the netminder is headed to Philadelphia to play with the Flyers.
Initial Twitter reactions about the Nabokov signing have indicated disappointment from Islanders fans.
@RadioLuke : So Nabokov didn't want to play for the Islanders when they picked him up on waivers & now he signs an extension. #Weird
@Lynch_Sports : Islanders resign Evgeni Nabokov to 1 year deal. Looks like he might be starter with not many top goalies out there. Rather him backup tho
@_Happy_Gilmore: The Islanders have re-signed Evgeni Nabokov to a 1 year deal. Rick DiPietro suffered a concussion upon hearing the news.
@JakeP_21 : Emery is better than Nabokov. Nabokov earns around double the money. Oh, Islanders.
@mattfinn81 : yay nabokov is back! its gunna feel like normal again now that the islanders will be in last place next year.
@chrisgunz69 : Islanders still a one and done team with Nabokov in goal.