San Jose Allows Philadelphia to begin contract talks with Nabokov

The Sharks have granted the Philadelphia Flyers permission to discuss a contract with Evgeni Nabokov and his agent in the remaining days leading up to the July 1st Trade Deadline. If Nabokov signs a contract with the Eastern Conference Champions, San Jose would receive a seventh round selection at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in St. Paul, Minnesota.

This news comes after the Sharks announced they would not be re-signing Nabokov this offseason, citing salary cap concerns as the main reason he would not return.

As we reported earlier today, Philadelphia and San Jose were engaged in talks throughout the last twenty four hours during the Draft, constantly checking in with one another in between selections.

"Evgeni Nabokov is a good goalie," Holmgren said. "If he was to become a free agent, anyone would say that I think."

If the Flyers do not sign Nabokov to a contract before July 1st, it appears as if San Jose would not receive a pick in the deal. The trade market for his services was obviously depleted considering the Sharks had little leverage in negotiations with opposing teams, making a trade with stipulations four days before free agency likely one of the better options for the Sharks.

Another interesting bit of information from the Flyers camp today came when they drafted Tye McGinn, current San Jose Shark Jamie McGinn's brother. Tye is a 6'2 205 pound left winger coming out of the QMJHL. He potted twenty seven goals and thirty five assists in fifty games last year with Gatineau.

"McGinn is a guy we think can come in and play right away in the American League," said Holmgren following their selection. "He's an older guy, and we think we did good."

Go Sharks.