Wings lose Nabokov to Islanders

The New York Islanders have put in a claim for goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, ending the Red Wings’ attempts to acquire him.

The Wings agreed to a one-year, $570,000 deal with Nabokov Thursday night, hoping to add the out-of-work veteran to their decimated lineup. But because he had to go through waivers to return to the NHL, the Wings stood the risk of losing him to another team, as happened.

Nabokov began the season playing in the Kontinental Hockey League for SKA St. Petersburg, but left for family reasons after playing in 22 games.

The Wings saw him as potential insurance while backup Chris Osgood recovers from sports hernia surgery. He isn’t expected back until early March. More to come.

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