Oilers Sign Nikolai Khabibulin

We weren't far into the annual craziness of NHL free agency when the Edmonton Oilers suffered a significant loss.

Goalie Dwayne Roloson was a rock for this team over his three-plus seasons in northern Alberta. After practically carrying the Oilers to the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals, he performed well over the new contract he signed that summer in Edmonton. The 39-year-old wanted a two-year deal when he got to free agency this year, but Edmonton didn't offer that. With Roloson gone to the Islanders, Edmonton moved very quickly to find a new starter.

Former Chicago goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, a 2004 Stanley Cup champion, has agreed to a four-year deal with Edmonton, according to TSN.

He will step in and immediately take over as the starter for the Oilers, who were left with a huge hole in goal after Roloson left.

Khabibulin, 36, played four years in Chicago, leading the Blackhawks to the Western Conference Finals this year. However, he was equal parts ineffective and injury-prone during the previous three years. Chicago signed Cristobal Huet last summer, and actually put Khabibulin on waivers in September.

Only a superb contract year from Khabibulin kept him on the map. Obviously, Edmonton hopes for a more balanced performance from him over the four years in this contract.