Goalie Niemi Reportedly To Land With Sharks
September 2, 2010 at 8:43 AM by AHN · Leave a Comment
San Jose, CA, United States (AHN) – Finnish netminder Antti Niemi found a new team Wednesday after agreeing to a one-year, $2 million pact with the San Jose Sharks.
Niemi, 27, had a breakout performance last season, posting seven shutouts, a 2.25 goal-against-average and .912 save percentage in 39 regular-season games with the defending Stanley Cup titlists Chicago Blackhawks .
Niemi also played a vital role for the Blackhawks in the postseason, recording a 2.63 goal-against-average, and .910 save percentage in 22 playoff games.
He also had a superb performance in the Western Conference finals, as he helped the Blackhawks sweepthe top-seeded Sharks.
Nevertheless, the cap space-saving Blackhawks allowed Niemi to test the free agency market after the two camps failed to reach a deal in the offseason.
Niemi won $2.7 million salary arbitration, beating the Blackhawks’ offer worth $1.5 million.
Knowing their salary-cap situation would prevent them from keeping Niemi, the Blackhawks signed ex- Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco.
After spending most of his career in Europe, the Finnish goaltender will play for his second NHL team in three seasons.
