Flyers Talking To All-Star Goalie Nabakov

The Philadelphia Flyers have obtained exclusive negotiating rights to Evgeni Nabakov, the all-star goalie for San Jose. They have until July 1 to sign Nabakov.

Nabakov, 34, has started for San Jose for a decade but is scheduled to be a free agent. The Flyers will give San Jose a draft pick if they sign Nabakov before July 1.

The big question will be if the Flyers will trade players to free up money to sign Nabakov.

The Flyers already sent the rights to defenseman Dan Hamhuis to the Penguins, which will free some money to pay Nabakov, who made $6 million last year.

If Nabakov's contract is structured with bonus payments, the Flyers could sign him and stay under the NHL salary cap.

The Sharks are reportedly interested in signing Michael Leighton to replace Nabakov.

The Flyers used seven goaltenders last season, while Nabakov has been a workhorse goalie for 10 seasons.

The deal essentially gives the Flyers a five-day period to get Nabakov under contract.