When the Blackhawks signed netminder Cristobal Huet to a four-year, $22.5 million deal before the beginning of last season, it was assumed that Nikolai Khabibulin's days in Chicago were numbered. In fact, most expected to see Khabibulin traded midway through the year. The two goalies traded starts at the outset of the season, but Khabibulin emerged as the No. 1 netminder and played just like you'd expect a guy in his contract year to play. The Blackhawks had no choice but to hang on to their top guy, and he helped them reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1995. 

While many hoped the team would find a way to either dump Huet's contract or bring back Khabby in addition to the Frenchman, most understood that Khabibulin would be with a new team when the puck drops next year. That assumption has proven true. Wednesday Khabibulin inked a four-year, $15 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers. Khabby, who won a Stanley Cup ring with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004, was with the Hawks for four seasons.

Most will remember the way the 'Bulin Wall stepped up his game midway through last season, but it's important to remember that his time with the Hawks was marred by injury and inconsistency. Khabibulin will be missed, for sure, but the Blackhawks were smart not to dump even more money into one position. Corey Crawford and Antti Niemi are waiting in the wings for their shot. Let's see what Huet can do when he's the top dog.