The NY Islanders claimed Evgeni Nabokov off waivers 10 years ago

The NY Islanders were an absolute mess between the pipes during the 2010-11 season, with zero stability in net. Rick DiPietro was going through his yearly injury crisis starting just 26 games, and Dwayne Roloson, Al Montoya, Kevin Poulin, and Nathan Lawson all started at least 10 games.

Long-time San Jose Sharks netminder and Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender left California after the 2009-10 season, heading to Russia where he signed a contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. 

After 22 starts in Russia, Nabokov and SKA mutually agreed to part ways, with Nabokov citing family reasons for his desire to return stateside.

Isles claim Nabokov 10 years ago

Looking to sign on with a contender in the NHL, Nabokov agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings on January 20, 2011 - ten years and one day ago. The Wings were already having a goaltending crisis of their own with Chris Osgood missing significant time for hernia surgery and Jimmy Howard battling a knee injury. Nabokov was expected to help bring stability to the position for the Red Wings who, at the time, were sitting in second place in the Western Conference.

The problem for the Red Wings was that Nabokov needed to pass through waivers before he could officially join the team.

With their own issues between the pipes, Islanders General Manager Garth Snow claimed Nabokov off waivers, blocking him from joining the Wings.

At the time, the Islanders sat in 14th out of 15 teams, 19 points out of playoff position. This didn’t vibe with Nabokov, as the then 35-year-old never reported to the Islanders, sitting out the remainder of the season.

The Islanders elected to hold onto Nabokov’s rights and convinced the netminder to sign a deal in the summer for the 2011-12 season.

"What made me make that decision is that I hadn't skated for a month and a half when they claimed me,” said Nabokov. “They were out of the playoffs, but battling to get in and, as a goalie, I know the goalie position is important when fighting for position (in the standings). I didn't feel that I could help them to get to the playoffs. I needed three to four weeks to get ready and the season would've been over."

Nabokov spent three seasons playing on Long Island, leading the team to the playoffs in the 2012-13 shortened season. 

Like others who had reservations about Long Island, Nabokov found it difficult to leave once getting a taste of life on the Island.