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Niemi Fallout

August 3, 2010, 9:41 AM ET [ Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Now that the smoke has cleared in the Chicago Blackhawks net, it begs the question… What the hell just happened?

You know that the Blackhawks are really up against it cap-wise. Last season’s bonuses has a heavy penalty on this year’s cap for Chicago. I’m just really struggling with the reasoning to let Antii Niemi go. Simply to save a million bucks?? I don’t think that $2.75 million was crazy money for the goaltender that helped bring a Cup to the Windy City. I’m also not sure that Marty Turco is any kind of upgrade in net or in the room.

The arbitration award was reasonable. If it went anywhere over $3 million, I’d be in full agreement with Chicago’s decision but now it leads me to another question…What kind of message does this send inside the ‘Hawk locker room?

You are starting to see the Blackhawk writers come out and say what a good move this is. You don’t need an outstanding goaltender to win a Cup, etc. That does seem to be the modus operandi of the Bowman’s, and to be frank, it has worked in Detroit, and with Chicago’s blueline, a point can be made that you do not need a superstar between the pipes.

Antii Niemi answered all of the Chicago goaltending questions on the strength of a solid playoff run. His reward is becoming a UFA. Chiacgo’s reward? A cheaper, older goaltender on the downside of his career, who has not won a Cup.

One more time, Chicago goes into a season with goaltending questions. It seemed to work OK last season… let’s see what happens this year.

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Random Notes

- Thanks to Greg Pogue for having me on the Morning Sports Page today…

- Mike Modano to the Red Wings… ok, I guess, I just don’t see him making any kind of impact. It’s a nice story, and Jordin Tootoo fans won’t have to learn to hate a new team.

- Good interview on Puck The Media with NHL Deputy Commish Bill Daly.

- Congrats to Zach Budish and Austin Watson, Pred prospects that made the firtst cut at the Team USA Junior Evaluation Camp. There are 28 prospects remaining in the camp that is part of the selection process for Team USA’s entry into the World Juniors coming up this year in Buffalo.

- Good to hear that Paul Kariya is probably headed back to Anaheim. I’d like to see him finish his career there for one more go round.

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