And yes, there are other outs the Oilers can use, but it all stems around the same thing, mrgod2u…. the Oilers taking this situation as an opportunity to void a bad contract. I know some have said that it’s not about the contract for them, but I’m pretty sure that’s the way the majority of fans here feel (that they should take advantage of this opportunity to void a bad contract because its a bad contract). I think otherwise people would be more supportive saying “let’s get this guy in Rehab, if he needs it… get him speaking to the community about what he did wrong and how people shouldn’t drink and drive”, etc. They would turn this negative into a positive.

So really whether you say you’re tearing it up because he didn’t report to camp or it’s because he’s a horrible role model, it still boils down to the same thing in my mind… you’re (likely) doing it because you’re fed up with Khabibulin’s contract. And I can say I feel pretty much the same way, but I try not to let that stuff cloud judgement. The right thing to do would be to suspend him for a period, get him help, and ensure he takes an active role in the community when it comes to anti-drunk driving public speeches.

To steal Robin Brownlee’s comment on ON, any other thought would pretty much be being opportunistic.

I understand that he could have killed someone, and that a DUI (nevermind an extreme DUI) is not to be taken lightly, I’m just saying the right thing to do would be to correct the problem, and ensure this never happens again, while turning it into a bit of a positive (again with the community stuff).

That said, I would love to rip up his contract as much as the next guy, but in hindsight that isn’t the way to do it, I don’t think.

The judge could hand down a 6 month sentence. In which case we have to find a goalie, or basically play the whole season with our backups…

Hmmm who is the top prospect in this next draft…?

I still don’t see why the only out is the morals clause. According to the Standard Player Contract he can be let go for not reporting to camp, it is a failure on his part to deliver contracted services, and as it is his breach (and not subject to wishy-washy judgment call of what “moral” behavior is) then the NHLPA looks like the heel for supporting him.

I’m pretty sure we could get a decent young goalie for what his ripped up contract would save us, isn’t Niemmi still out there?

I’m sure they would like an “out”, just like all of us wish there was some way this could be used to rid us of that contract, but I just don’t see it working.

For one, the team has a history and thus has showed precedent that it is willing to overlook drinking offenses(MacT, Heatley). And far worse ones at that, I think it’s hard to just last summer BEG someone with Heatley’s past to come here and than turn around this year and shit can someone for driving drunk.

All of that aside, it is also given that they’d be in for a massive fight with the NHLPA as well, it’s just not worth it.

I have to say that I’m pretty confident that the Oilers will take that route too. I think the idea that the Oilers will tear his contract up is wishful thinking (and I admit that it’s wishful thinking on my part!). My other idea of just sending him to the minors and eating the salary/cap would be wishful thinking too.

I think he will likely be back on the team around December to January. Might as well accept it now What to do in the meantime? Gerber + Dubnyk? Send JDD down?

It’s expected that Khabibulin will miss two to three regular season games, forfit some of his salary and will be asked to do public service to support MADD.