Khabibulin now possibly sticking around?

Just when you thought he was gone:

Khabibulin practiced with the Blackhawks at the team's suburban Chicago facility on Tuesday after not being on the ice for a session on Saturday. The Blackhawks played their final exhibition game on Sunday and didn't practice on Monday.

Chicago signed free-agent goalie Cristobal Huet to a four-year, $22.45 million deal on July 1. Tallon and Blackhawks coach Denis Savard maintained they planned to start the season with the "luxury" of two No. 1 goalies.

"The best goaltender is going to play," Tallon said. "Nick knows that and I know that."

"Nick is with us," Savard said. "It's going to be day-by-day for both goaltenders. Habby and Dale had a great talk and we're happy to have him."

Khabibulin left the Blackhawks practice facility on Tuesday and didn't talk to reporters.

OK, that's kind of a surprise. It sounded like Khabibulin was likely going to be playing in Russia this year, but apparently that deal is on hold for now. I sure don't like the idea of carrying two goalies that are this expensive, and I'm disapppointed Dale Tallon couldn't find a deal for him. There's still time for him to possibly get something worked out, or maybe Khabby will be sent to Rockford. Either way, I don't think it's a good idea carrying both Huet and Khabibulin on the roster.