It's official: Nabby is back with the Sharks
Evgeni Nabokov has come home. To San Jose. So, his second or third home. Welcome back, Nabby.
File this under "surprising to no one" department. Evgeni Nabokov is now officially on boar as a Sharks goaltending development coach and a special assignment coach. Relevant parts of the press release are included below.
SAN JOSE -- San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) General Manager Doug Wilson and San Jose Barracuda (@sjbarracuda) General Manager Joe Will announced today that Evgeni Nabokov will serve as a goaltending development coach and special assignment scout.
In his new role with San Jose, Nabokov will work with all of the organization's goaltending prospects to assist in the further development of their skills and technique.
"'Nabby's career speaks for itself and he is one of the most beloved players to ever play for our franchise," said Wilson. He will be a tremendous asset to our young, developing goaltenders. I have great respect for him as a hockey person and as a man."
The 2011 2001 (Update: typing is hard) Calder trophy winner was drafted by the Sharks in 1994 and was with the team until 2010. He played for the New York Islanders for a few seasons before wrapping up his career with the Tampa Bay Lightning last season. Nabokov retired as a Shark, and now will (hopefully) spend many years helping the next Nabokov come through the system.
It's great to see Nabby back with the club in an official capacity. Hopefully he's teaching the young netminders in the system how to do stuff like this.
You'll notice who was over there to celebrate with him...