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ESPN's Scott Burnside's quick take on an Oily Bulin Wall:
BURNSIDE'S INSTANT ANALYSIS ON KHABIBULIN SIGNING: It didn't take long for the Edmonton Oilers to replace veteran netminder Dwayne Roloson, who bolted for Long Island on Wednesday, as they locked up former Stanley Cup champion Nikolai Khabibulin after the free agent couldn't come to an agreement with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Khabibulin, who battled inconsistency and injury during his four seasons in Chicago, had a strong 2008-09 campaign for the Blackhawks, leading them to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 1996.
The Oilers may finally be set in goal, but they still lack the impact scorer they've coveted for the past couple of seasons. Another former target, Marian Hossa, signed a 12-year deal with Chicago earlier this afternoon as top players continue to leave the market.
If the Oilers can complete the deal for Dany Heatley that stalled late Tuesday night, they will be in a much better position than when they finished the regular season -- with a proven scorer and a solid number-one netminder. But there's still work to be done in the Oil Patch.
BURNSIDE'S INSTANT ANALYSIS ON KHABIBULIN SIGNING: It didn't take long for the Edmonton Oilers to replace veteran netminder Dwayne Roloson, who bolted for Long Island on Wednesday, as they locked up former Stanley Cup champion Nikolai Khabibulin after the free agent couldn't come to an agreement with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Khabibulin, who battled inconsistency and injury during his four seasons in Chicago, had a strong 2008-09 campaign for the Blackhawks, leading them to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 1996.
The Oilers may finally be set in goal, but they still lack the impact scorer they've coveted for the past couple of seasons. Another former target, Marian Hossa, signed a 12-year deal with Chicago earlier this afternoon as top players continue to leave the market.
If the Oilers can complete the deal for Dany Heatley that stalled late Tuesday night, they will be in a much better position than when they finished the regular season -- with a proven scorer and a solid number-one netminder. But there's still work to be done in the Oil Patch.
