"In a move that is getting popular with
NHL general managers, goaltender Evgeni Nabokov was claimed off waivers by the New York Islanders on Saturday after signing with the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday.
Despite signing with the Wings, Nabokov had to clear waivers to return to the
NHL. The St. Louis Blues lost both Marek Svatos and Kyle Wellwood through the same procedure earlier this season. Svatos was claimed by Nashville and Wellwood was scooped up by San Jose.
The contract Nabokov signed with the Red Wings includes a no-move clause and states that he cannot be put back on waivers without his permission. Also, he is ineligible to play in American
Hockey League this season due to league rules regarding free agents coming from Europe after Decemeber 15."