NY Islanders give goaltender Nabokov options on the contract offer

New York Islanders have reportedly given their Russian goaltender Evgeny Nabokov a choice of a one or two year deal, with the club leaning towards the latter.

Earlier this month, Islanders GM Garth Snow told reporters that he has «no intention» of trading Nabokov, despite the alleged interest from Chicago Blackhawks.

The 36-year-old NHL veteran Nabokov, who has missed the last three games due to the flu, is 14-14-0 for the Islanders this season with a 2.24 goals-against average, .925 save percentage and two shutouts.

Nabokov spent part of last season in the KHL. He wanted to join the Red Wings, but was claimed by the Islanders off waivers. Nabokov was upset, and declined to report, so the Islanders tolled his contract.

Nabokov decided to come to training camp at the start of the 2011-12 campaign, and has emerged as the Islanders’ No. 1 netminder.