NHL Trade Deadline: Evgeni Nabokov Won't Be Moved As Islanders Open Contract Talks

Read More: Rick DiPietro (G - NYI), Al Montoya (G - NYI), Evgeni Nabokov (G - NYI), Kevin Poulin (G - NYI), New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes

Evgeni Nabokov's trade value might never be higher than at present, but Garth Snow and the New York Islanders seem stuck on resigning the 36-year-old netminder before his contract expires in July. Via Newsday:

Snow, who declined comment on any current or future contract talks but reiterated that he has no plans to trade Nabokov before next Monday's deadline, appears to envision Nabokov teaming next season with 21-year-old Kevin Poulin , who made 33 saves in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Hurricanes and likely will get the call in goal Monday.

There are no assurances that Nabokov will take what the Isles will be offering.

Nabokov is having a phenomenal season and with the always-uncertain status surrounding franchise netminder, Rick DiPietro on Long Island, having a veteran backup around to help continue to mentor both Kevin Poulin and Al Montoya seems like a smart move.

But there's no guaranteeing that Nabokov will keep up his fine recent play next season or even beyond the trade deadline, and considering that he's a free agent come summer and his previous unwillingness to join the Islanders organization prior to the current season, it might be wise for Snow to sell high here. It doesn't appear as though that's what will happen.

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