Nikolai Khabibulin is in Oil Town!!!

Contrary to previous seasons the Edmonton Oilers were able to break through and sign a well- established superstar to their roster. Edmonton who over previous years have gone after but failed to sign such established players as Jaromir Jagr, Michael Nylander and Brian Campbell were able to solidify their goaltending position on Wednesday when they inked a former Stanley Cup winner in 36 year-old Nikolai Khabibulin. This 14- year veteran who was drafted way back in 1992 by the Winnipeg Jets gives Edmonton fans reason to be optimistic that their team will get back into the playoffs. Besides for posting an impressive .933 save percentage and a 1.71 GAA when he led the underdog Tampa Bay Lightning to a Stanley Cup victory in 2004, Khabibulin has also backstopped Russia to a 1992 Olympic Gold Medal and a Bronze Medal in 2002. Even though he is not a youngster the Oilers agreed on a four- year 15 million dollar pact with Khabibulin who is coming off a solid year that saw him go 25-8-7 with a 2.33 GAA. “Nikolai is a world-class goaltender who has proven himself throughout his career as one of the best in the game,” Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini said about the goalie who last spring led his former club the Chicago Blackhawks to Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1995. “He has had success at many levels of hockey and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue that success here in Edmonton.” In his career Khabibulin has played 678 games with the Jets/Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning and Balckhawks where he has put together a record of 299-267-21 with a 2.67 GAA and 41 shutouts. With him guarding the nets Edmonton has their first elite goaltender since Bill Randford more then twenty years ago.