Rest easy fans of the bubbly Russian goaltender who is undefeated in his NHL career. Anton Khudobin, one of the funniest characters ever to waddle through the Wild locker room in goalie pads, has signed a one-year, two-way deal with the club. His signing comes the day after the Wild signed backup netminder Josh Harding to a deal.
It was rumored that Khudobin might pass on a contract and bolt for the KHL Russian League. Instead, he is locked up for another year, which should please those of us who like to laugh at funny quotes.
Though his Wild career has been short, it has been memorable. He won his NHL debut in relief, Feb. 4 against Edmonton, playing 9:33 without allowing a goal. That night, he came into a tie game immediately after Harding had made a spectacular diving glove save and injured his hip. Two nights later, he made 38 saves in a 2-1 win over Philadelphia on Feb. 6 in his first NHL start.
Sometimes known as “Borat,” due to his birthplace being Kazakhstan, Khudobin went 14-19-4 with a 2.43 GAA, a .907 SV% and four shutouts in 40 games with Houston of the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2009-10.
More to come on Wild.com.
So glad that Khudo will be back. His Houston fans will be glad to see him back!