Exactly 2 months ago the San Jose Sharks thought they were signing Evgeni Nabokov’s replacement in Antero Niittymaki. However, the Sharks have now made a move to bring in yet another goaltender, Antti Niemi.
According to Sportsnet Canada, the Stanley Cup winning goalie will sign a $2 million base salary contract with the Sharks.
Sharks fans know Niemi all too well from last year’s playoff run.
Niemi and the Chicago Blackhawks swept the Sharks in the Conference Finals. Of course, the Hawks went on to win the Stanley Cup.
The Sharks decided at the end of the season to go cheaper in net, thus letting Nabokov and his $5 million salary walk away. The Sharks frugalness landed them with Niittymaki and a two year $4 million deal. Now the Sharks have $4 million tied up to their two new goaltenders for the 2010 season, and that doesn't include incentives.
The Sharks now have three goalies signed for the season. Only two are allowed on the active roster. With Niittymaki and Niemi signing new contracts with the Sharks this off-season, Thomas Griess could find himself looking for work somewhere else.
This is not the only Sharks news of the day. The team's CEO Greg Jamison is stepping down from his job running the day-to-day operations of the club. Read about that at this link.
