Khabibulin Sentenced To 30 Days

As of right now, he’ll be here for camp.

-Oilers General Manager Steve Tambellini, addressing the media after the sentencing of Nikolai Khabibulin’s “extreme DUI” sentence.

Finally, we can put it to rest.  Right?

Sentenced. Photo courtesy edmontonjournal.com

Not so fast.

I’ve been asked my thoughts on how the Khabibulin saga will turn out, and I’ve always said that I’d just like it to be over.

Thought I’d get my wish today.

Oilers goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin was sentenced today for his ‘extreme DWI’ conviction, and he was expectedly sentenced to thirty days in Maricopa County’s Tent City. “30 days” sounds pretty cut and dry to you and me, but Khabibulin has already filed an appeal, and a myriad of possibilities are again out in the open.

Some of the speculative-

• Khabibulin’s sentenced may be shortened from 30 days to ten, with alcohol counselling following his release.
• General Manager Steve Tambellini didn’t sound like a guy who was at all interested in voiding his goaltender’s contract when speaking to the media after sentencing.  Tambellini voiced that he is standing behind his man, and by the tone in his voice expects Khabibulin to be present when camp begins.
• I guess regardless of what happens, we don’t have to worry about that pesky LTIR anymore, right? RIGHT?
• I really thought that we’d be able to make some heads or tails where this organisation stands based on the sentence that Khabibulin was given today.  I can’t say that the future is any clearer.  If he’s going to play, fine.  If he never plays again, give the reins to Dubnyk or Deslauriers, or Gerber if he wins the job at camp.

Just let it be over.