Nikolai Khabibulin

Nikolai Khabibulin is a Russian professional hockey player, who most recently played for the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League. Khabibulin was waived by the Blackhawks on September 29, 2008.ESPN.com: Blackhawks waive goalie Khabibulin

Early Years

Khabibulin began his career with the HC CSKA Moscow of the Russian Super League. The following year he joined the Russian Team in the 1992 Winter Olympics. Although he did not play, the team took home a gold medal. That same year he was drafted 204th overall in the NHL draft by the Winnipeg Jets. He continued to play in Russia for two seasons, before making his NHL debut with the Jets in 1994. Khabibulin relocated with the Jets in 1996 as they became the Phoenix Coyotes. He then left the Coyotes in 1999 to play with the Long Beach Ice Dogs in the now defunct International Hockey League after he was unable to reach a contract agreement with Coyotes management.

Recent Years

In 2001, Khabibulin was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The next year he represented Team Russia again in the Olympics, winning the bronze medal. Khabibulin, who had taken over starting goaltending duties for the Lightning, helped the team win the 2004 Stanley Cup Championship over the Calgary Flames. He returned to the Russian Super League during the 2004-05 NHL Lockout to play for the Aq Bars Kazan. Following the lockout Khabibulin signed as a free agent with the Chicago Blackhawks.