Report: Khabibulin might go home

Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin could be headed back to play in his native Russia, according to a report by TSN Canada on Thursday.

Khabibulin cleared waivers on Monday and is awaiting the next move by the Hawks. General manager Dale Tallon said he is still trying to trade Khabibulin to another NHL club.

Khabibulin's agent, Jay Grossman, told TSN.ca that his client has options with at least one club in the Russian Continental Hockey League.

"Nik has several options, both here and over there," Grossman told TSN. "However, nothing has been finalized and by no means is anything imminent.

"Nobody is looking to drag this thing out."

The Khabibulin situation could turn in into a big-time distraction for the Hawks approaching the regular season if something isn't worked out quickly. The Hawks are scheduled to open the regular season on Oct. 10 in New York against the Rangers.

If Khabibulin were allowed to jump to the Russian league the Hawks still would owe him his $6.75 million salary, but it wouldn't count against their NHL salary cap figure.

The Hawks are presently $1.5 million under the cap with Khabibulin's salary included.

TSN quoted Tallon as saying Khabibulin would play for the Hawks if a deal couldn't be worked out, which would seem unlikely given the developments of the past week.

Khabibulin was with the team for exhibition games Thursday night in Dallas and tonight in Colorado.