Sharks Sign Antti Niemi to One-Year Deal

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they have signed goaltender Antti Niemi to a one-year contract worth $2 million, just months after he and the Chicago Blackhawks eliminated the Sharks from the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs. Niemi had received a one-year contract worth $2.75 million in arbitration as a member of the Blackhawks, but the team walked away from the offer and let him become an unrestricted free agent. To replace him, Chicago signed free agent goaltender Marty Turco to a one-year, $1.3 million contract. In 39 games last season with the Blackhawks, Niemi posted a 26-7-4 record, seven shutouts, a 2.25 GAA, and a .912 save percentage. In 22 playoff games, he posted a 16-6 record, two shutouts, a 2.63 GAA, and a .910 save percentage while helping the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup. This is a great signing for the Sharks, as Niemi has really proven himself as a starting goaltender in the NHL with his Stanley Cup win. He's a solid goaltender with a big frame and can cover much of the net. He will likely split time in net next season with Antero Niittymaki, who was also signed this past summer by the Sharks. Thomas Greiss, who was set to become the backup to Niittymaki, has become the odd man out now in net. He will likely spend much of next season in the minors, unless Niemi or Niittymaki should miss some time with injury.