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Jackets notebook: Backup goalie secured by clear-cut waiver rule
Sunday,
January 18, 2009 3:18 AM
The Columbus Dispatch
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VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- All is fair in love, war and, apparently, the NHL waivers
procedure.
The Blue Jackets claimed backup goaltender Wade Dubielewicz yesterday from the New York Islanders, who also are in desperate need at the position. The Islanders, without their top two goalies, signed Dubielewicz after he returned from playing a half-season in Russia. But the league's collective bargaining agreement states that any player who starts a season in Europe must clear waivers before rejoining an NHL team. Dubielewicz, whose 37 career NHL games are with the Islanders, will back up Steve Mason tonight as the Jackets face Vancouver in General Motors Place. Islanders general manager Garth Snow was disappointed, but said he understood the risk involved. Jackets general manager Scott Howson said he had spoken to Snow about 10 days ago and had expressed an interest in Dubielewicz. "It's an accepted part of the business," Howson said. "There was certainly no malice intended." The signing of Dubielewicz adds to speculation that injured Jackets backup Pascal Leclaire (ankle) has played his last game of the season. Howson said the team won't make a determination on Leclaire until today or Monday. Before yesterday, the Jackets had only two healthy goaltenders -- Mason and Dan LaCosta -- under contract. "That's scary stuff," Howson said. Yesterday, coach Ken Hitchcock sounded like a man who did not expect to see Leclaire back in goal this season. The ankle injury, suffered in preseason, likely will require surgery. "It's pretty well a foregone conclusion that something has to happen," Hitchcock said. Dubielewicz, 29, has a 16-13-1 record in the NHL over four seasons, with a 2.55 goals-against average. Dubielewicz played for Kazan Ak-Bars of the Russian Continental Hockey League until late last month when the two sides mutually agreed to a buyout. Ironically, former Jackets goalie Fredrik Norrena, released in December, is now playing for Ak-Bars. Dubielewicz said he was initially disappointed upon learning the news because of his familiarity with the Islanders and the proximity to his home in Connecticut. But he's excited about joining a team in playoff contention. He will earn about $250,000 for the remainder of the season, The Jackets assigned LaCosta to minor-league Syracuse. Injury newsHitchcock said the chances of captain Rick Nash and forward Andrew Murray playing tonight are "50-50." Both skated yesterday. ... Nash (sprained knee) said that if he's healthy enough to play the next three games, he would like to participate in the All-Star Game. He said Howson would make the final call. Slap shotsLeft winger Jason Chimera (groin) returned to practice for the first time in several weeks. ... Anticipating an ornery game from the struggling Canucks tonight, Hitchcock plans to scratch rookie left winger Nikita Filatov. Story toolsToday’s Top Stories |
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