Back in February, Evgeni Nabokov announced his retirement from the NHL as a member of the San Jose Sharks. Nabokov appeared in 11 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2014-15 season, but the club dealt Nabokov to San Jose for future considerations so he could retire with the Sharks.
After calling it a career, Nabokov expressed his desire to remain involved in hockey but it wasn’t clear where he’d find a home. It turns out Nabokov’s career will continue in a very familiar place – San Jose.
#SJSharks officially announce that Evgeni Nabokov joins organization as goaltending development coach and special assignment scout.
— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) September 12, 2015
The role seems like a natural fit. Nabokov owns numerous goaltending records for the Sharks (most wins, most shutouts and most games) and should be able to provide plenty of valuable and insightful analysis for developing netminders. He’ll probably be an intimidating mentor for all of the young goalies in the San Jose pipeline. His other role – special assignment scout – isn’t as clearly defined, but it’d make a lot of sense for the 40-year-old to scout goaltending prospects.
Nabokov’s playing days may have ended on a fairly quiet, if not disappointing note (unsuccessful stints with the Islanders and Lightning), but he should have every opportunity to succeed with a franchise he knows well.
