ST. LOUIS -- The Detroit Red Wings are extremely close to signing goaltender Evgeni Nabokov to a dirt-cheap contract for the rest of the season, but he might not play a single game for them.



A source close to the situation said the Red Wings will sign Nabokov for $570,000, which is only about $250,000 prorated for the rest of the season. He would go on waivers Friday at noon and would need to clear before joining the Red Wings.



At that price, he likely will be claimed by another team.



"I wouldn't get my hopes too high; the contract is peanuts,'' a source said. "Anyone in need of a goaltender will put in a claim. Somebody in the West might say, 'I don't want Detroit to pick him up.' ''



General manager Ken Holland said Thursday night that a deal wasn't done and he will continue talking to Nabokov's agent, Don Meehan.



