Music: {allcanada} Khabibulin can attend training camp despite jail sentence

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

{allcanada} Khabibulin can attend training camp despite jail sentence

Edmonton Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin (notes) can attend training camp despite a 30-day jail sentence for drunk driving, Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini said Tuesday.

A Scottsdale, Ariz., jundge ordered Khabibulin to serve the time, pay a $5,100 fine and enroll in an alcohol treatment program. Had Khabibulin and his attorneys not decided to appeal the decision, the 37-year-old former star would have started his sentence on Saturday. That, according to Tambellini, is not the case.

"Nik and his lawyers have exercised their right to an appeal, so obviously the process continues," Tambellini told assembled media. "The appeal process could take months."

"Can he come to training camp at this point? Yes, he can."

While Khabibulin is likely to show up for training camp, he could wind up serving jail time during the season—a fact not lost on Tambellini.

"This still puts us on hold. It doesn't allow us to go forward," Tambellini said.

Khabibulin played for Phoenix from 1996-99 and still has a home in Paradise Valley, Ariz. He was pulled over in his Ferrari on Feb. 8, after the car was clocked at 70 mph in a 45 mph zone.

Police said an officer smelled alcohol and Khabibulin was arrested after a field sobriety test. Khabibulin signed a four-year, $15 million deal with Edmonton last year.

Khabibulin joined the Oilers last season as an unrestricted free agent after being cut loose by the Chicago Blackhawks. He signed a four-year, $15 million deal. After playing 18 games, he was finished for the season with a bad back that required surgery.