For now, Khabibulin back practicing with Hawks

Just when it seemed Nikolai Khabibulin was out of the Blackhawks' picture, the veteran goalie was back on the ice at practice on Tuesday.

"He's with us," coach Denis Savard said.

At least that's the story today. It could change before the Hawks open the season on Friday night at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers.

The Hawks waived Khabibulin last week, then after he cleared they kept him off the ice for fear of injury. Khabibulin and his agent later asked the Hawks for permission to seek a deal elsewhere, specifically in Russia, with nothing materializing there either.

So he is back with the team, for now anyway, with general manager Dale Tallon deciding against sending Khabibulin to Rockford of the American Hockey League.

"We explored all our options to make us better and this is the best option," Tallon said. "I had a great talk with Nik. You start with a fresh sheet of ice every period, and that's what we're doing here."

Tallon still will entertain trade offers for Khabibulin, although there is little interest at this point.

Khabibulin refused to talk with reporters after practice Tuesday at the Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville. He slipped out a back door even though management has told players not to exit the building that way, preferring they go out the front, where fans are always waiting for autographs.