Out with the new, in with the old dude? Less than 2 months after 26 year old Finnish goaltender Antti Niemi helped Chicago win the Stanley Cup, the Blackhawks have announced that they will not sign Niemi to the 1 year, 2.75 mil contract he was awarded in arbitration. Instead, they signed 35 year old, ex-Dallas Star Marty Turco to 1 year, 1.3 mil deal.
In your face Chicago. Successful teams (i.e. the Detriot Red Wings) don't mortage their future for a one year push at the Cup. Ridiculous signings (Campbell, Hossa, Huet) are going to prevent the Hawks from acquiring the talent to fill out their roster, which will undoubtly hurt them when it comes playoff time (if they make it), where team depth is crucial. Sure, you've got a great captain in Jonathan Toews and an electric scorer in Patrick Kane, but hockey is a team sport. I wonder if the fickle Chicago fans will enjoy watching their beloved Hawks roll out there with a roster half full of minor leaguers.
My prediction is that Niemi signs in Florida with General Manager Dave Tallon, the former Hawks GM (one of the culprits behind the Hawks' salary cap hell) who found him in the Finnish league.
P.S. Who else is down to get a baby blue Antti Niemi Pelicans jersey with me?
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