Sounds like Nabokov had a few options on the table:
1. Extend with Magnitogorsk who he's been with since he was 14 years old.
2. Accept a trade to the giant SKA and sign a new, fat deal.
3. Sign a letter of intent to join the Avalanche on an ELC at the end of this KHL season.
He chose the latter and didn't succumb to the pressure of options #1 and #2.