Khabibulin signs with Blackhawks

CHICAGO, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The Chicago Blackhawks Friday signed free agent goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin to a four-year contract worth $27 million.

He is the latest free-agent addition by Chicago, which has been aggressive in the market under new general manager Dale Tallon.

"When we began this process, we targeted Nikolai Khabibulin and Adrian Aucoin as the two main players we wanted to sign," said Tallon. "Not only did we accomplish our goal in signing these players, but we were also able to sign Martin LaPointe and Jaroslav Spacek. Along with Jassen Cullimore, Matthew Barnaby, and Curtis Brown whom we signed last year we feel that we have really improved our team."

The four-time All-Star set Tampa Bay franchise records in 2003-04 for career wins with 83, best single-season goals against average and consecutive victories at eight and became the franchise's all-time leader in shutouts with 14.

He owns a career 209-187-58 record in nine NHL seasons.