The Cap Conundrum?
The Blackhawks walked away from the 26 year old rookie who guided them to their first Stanley Cup in 49 years earlier this week, but Antti Niemi doesn’t seem to be that concerned.
Antti Niemi 2009-10 Stats
| GP | W | L | OT | GA | SA | SV | SV% | GAA | SO | PIM | MIN |
Reg. | 39 | 26 | 7 | 4 | 82 | 936 | 854 | .912 | 2.25 | 7 | 0 | 2190 |
NHL Rank | 34 | 17 | 49 | 33 | 40 | 35 |35 | 20 | 4 | 3 | 39 | 34 |
P-OFFS | 22 | 16 | 6 | 0 | 58 | 645 | 587 | .910 | 2.63 | 2 | 2 | 1322 |
NHL Rank | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
The Hawks now sit with Marty Turco as their #1 goaltender and expect Corey Crawford to be his backup as Cristobal Huet and his massive salary will likely be dumped to the minors at the beginning of the season.
My only caveat with not retaining Niemi is that the Hawks lose out on their Cup winning netminder and get absolutely nothing in return for him.
Although I was berated for my 'misunderstanding' of the Huet situation, clearly people forget about the 10% salary cap cushion. Had the Hawks used the temporary summer cushion, they would have likely been able to retain Niemi and dump Huet's salary in time for the start of the season.
Thoughts on the Huet issue aside, here is a look at all 29 teams(chicago excluded, of course) and their chances at landing Antti Niemi.
The following is a brief examination of each teams current goaltending situation, their cap space and their prospect pipeline.
Anaheim Ducks:
Cap Space: $ 13.4M
Goaltenders: J. Hiller $4.5M(4 years ) | C. McElhinney $533K(1 year)
Prospects/AHL: M. Cousineau | T. Pelmeier | J. Lavasseur
Outlook: There is no room for Niemi here as Hiller is the man in Anaheim. With intentions of riding the stellar Swiss netminder for the foreseeable future, it is highly unlikely that Ducks management wants to get back into spending over $5 million on their goaltending.
Atlanta Thrahsers:
Cap Space: $23.1M
Goaltenders: C. Mason $1.85M(2 years) | O. Pavelec $1.15M(2 years)
Prospects/AHL: C. Carozzi | E. Pasquale | P. Mannino | D. MacIntyre
Outlook: Although the Thrashers would have been a viable and interesting home for Niemi(along with nearly half of his ‘Hawks team-mates...), the reality is that Atlanta shored up their netminding situation as soon as the Canadiens got rid of Halak. Montreal’s move freed up Chris Mason and the Thrashers organization did not waste any time in locking up the former Team Canada invitee. Mason provides Atlanta with a strong duo that includers youngster Ondrej Pavelec. Pavs showed moments of greatness at times last season and will be counted on to do so once again. All of this to say that, despite the glut of money available, Atlanta no longer has a need to spend it on goaltending.
Boston Bruins:
Cap Space:
- $3.087M
Goaltenders: T. Rask $ 1.25M(2 years) | T. Thomas $5M(3 years)
Prospects/AHL: M. Dalton | M. Hutchinson | A. Courchaine | N. Schaefer
Outlook: Unloading Tim Thomas’ contract may now be a priority for the Bruins as they sit $3 million over the cap, but that doesn’t mean that Boston will still have room to add Niemi. The fact is the Bruins have some decent stock behind Rask, but chances are Thomas’ enormous cap hit will keep him in black and gold. Add to that the fact that the Bruins are set(and happy, might I add)to place their faith in Tuuka Rask. Adding Niemi to the mix would create a goaltending controversy that may ultimately mess up the balance of the team.
Buffalo Sabres:
Cap Space: $5.45M
Goaltenders: R. Miller $6.25(4 years) | P. Lalime $650K(1 year)
Prospects/AHL: J. Enroth
Outlook: The Sabres are short on supply for up and coming goaltenders behind Enroth, but that doesn’t matter. As it stands, Ryan Miller, the reigning Vezina trophy winner, is the only thing that matters between the pipes in Buffalo. With serviceable and reliable veteran Patrick Lalime back for another year, the Sabres can continue to slowly bring along Enroth, who is a blue chipper and a possible goaltender of the future for Buffalo. All in all, this spells no room for Niemi.
Calgary Flames:
Cap Space:
- $2.35M
Goaltenders: M. Kipprusoff $5.833M(4 years) | H. Karlsson $500K(1 year)
Prospects/AHL: L. Irving | M. Keetley
Outlook: Kipper is the man, end of discussion. Or is it? Although the Flames have severely crippled themselves financially heading into the upcoming season, Calgary seemed like a great fit for a guy like Niemi. Aside from the Kipprusoff thing, of course. Although he has been everything for the Flames for the better part of a decade now, it may not be a terrible idea to start looking towards the future. Thoughts aside, the Flames are in enough trouble as it is, so count them out of the Niemi sweeps.
Carolina Hurricanes:
Cap Space: $11.97M
Goaltenders: C. Ward $6.3M(6 years) | J. Peters $525K(2 years)
Prospects/AHL: M. Murphy | J. Pogge
Outlook: This is Cam Country. I could make an argument about how Niemi could possibly, maybe fit in Carolina, but with a young Cup winner locked up for 6 years and sharing ‘face of the franchise’ duties with Eric Staal, there’s no chance for Niemi here.
Chicago Blackhawks:
X
Colorado Avalanche:
Cap Space: $23.795M
Goaltenders: C. Anderson $1.8M(1 year) | P. Budaj $1.25M(1 year)
Prospects/AHL: T. Cann | J. Babashihua | J. Grahame
Outlook: With Anderson stealing the show last season in Colorado, chances are strong that
he will be re-upped over the course of the next year. As for Budaj, once pegged the future of nets in Colorado, he has basically turned out to be a serviceable backup. The Avs may have some sore of self-imposed cap, as many teams have for this season, but with plenty of room to maneuver, I could foresee the Avs getting interesting in a duo of Anderson/Niemi, but they would need to move Budaj, and that doesn’t seem likely. All in all, the Avs have all the makings of a viable destination, yet it doesn’t seem that management is interested in upgrading between the pipes.
Columbus Blue Jackets:
Cap Space: $6.45M
Goaltenders; S. Mason $900K(1 year) | M. Garon $ 1.2M(1 year)
Prospects/AHL: G. Wesslau | D. Leneveu
Outloook: Although the main goal of the Jackets is to make the playoffs, there limited cap space(and need to resign Steve Mason) will prevent Columbus from making a move for Niemi. Mason’s weak sophomore season hasn’t scared anyone and the former rookie of the year is likely going to be the face of the franchise in nets for years to come. With a strong start to the 2010-11 season, Mason may wind up a likely candidate for a long-term deal. (So yeah, no room for Niemi)
Dallas Stars:
Cap Space: $14.64M
Goaltenders: K. Lehtonen $3.55M(3 years) | A. Raycroft $650K(2 years)
Prospects/AHL: M. Murphy | J. Pogge
Outlook: The Stars have cap space, and likely a need to shore up their ‘risky’ goaltending situation, but with 2 and 3 year commitments to their current tandem of Lehtonen/Raycroft and a likely pending sale of the team, chances are Dallas isn’t going to be breaking the bank anytime soon...or moving away from their recently signed duo.
Detroit Red Wings;
Cap Space: $3.77M
Goaltenders: J. Howard $716K(1 year) | C. Osgood $1.4M(1 year)
Prospects/AHL: J. Pearce | T. McCollum | J. MacDonald
Outlook: The conservative Red ,Wings spent years grooming Jimmy Howard, runner up for the Calder Trophy last season, so don’t look to the ‘Hawks Central Division rivals to snap up Niemi. It would be an interesting move, but Detroit will prefer to round out their bottom 6 and defensive core.
Edmonton Oilers:
Cap Space: $11.17M
Goaltenders: N. Khabibulin $3.75M(3 years)| J. Drouin-Deslauriers $1.05M(1 year) | D.
Dubnyk $800K(2 years)
Prospects/AHL: B. Pitton
Outlook: The Oilers have plenty of cap space, and are definitely a team that is still
interested in making a splash, but with no way out of the Khabibulin deal and two other youngsters fighting for starting time, the Oilers would have to make some quick decisions(and deals, likely) to become of interest for Niemi. That said, stranger things have happened and, well, Edmonton could really use him.
Florida Panthers:
Cap Space: $9.52M
Goaltenders: T. Vokoun $5.7M(1 year) | S. Clemmensen $1.2M(2 years)
Prospects/AHL: A. Salak | J. Markstrom | M. Cheverie | T. Plante
Outlook: Dale Tallon inherited quite a few goaltenders when he took over in south Florida, and, although he’s the man who brought Niemi into the NHL, it’s doubtful he will be able to figure out a way to bring him in. As the Oilers would need to do some serious maneuvering to move one or two of their three netminders, so too would the Panthers. Vokoun and Clemmensen take up quite a bit of cap space and although moving Vokoun would be great, no one has the room to take him on.
LA Kings:
Cap Space: $12.5M
Goaltenders: J. Quick $1.8(3 years) | E. Ersberg $750K(1 year)
Prospect/AHL: J. Bernier | J. Zatkoff | M. Jones
Outlook: Quick was on Team USA and played a spectacular season for the Kings last year, while Jon Bernier was crowned the best goaltender in the AHL and could very well be the best goaltending prospect not playing in the NHL. So, despite the cap space, the Kings are way too stacked(at a cheap price, might I mention), so no Niemi in LaLaland.
Minnesota Wild:
Cap Space: $2.9M
Goaltenders: N. Backstrom $6M(3 years) | J. Harding $ 1.2M(1 year)
Prospects/AHL: M. Hackett | A. Khudobin | D. Endreas
Outlook: The Wild have little to no cap space and one of the best goalies in the league...no Niemi.
Montreal Canadiens:
Cap Space: $4.18M
Goaltenders: C. Price RFA($/yr TBD) | A. Auld $1M(1 year)
Prospects/AHL: C. Desjardins | C. Sanford | R. Mayer
Outlook: Niemi to Montreal? Sounds appealing doesn’t it? Well, don’t count on that anytime soon. Price’s unsigned contract aside, don’t assume Montreal is trading Price and signing Niemi. Those notions are quite far-fetched and considering how much over-turn there has been in management over the summer, it’s not that crazy to assume that the Price will sign in the very near future. And, although Niemi/Price sounds like a great combo, the financial constraints the Habs are under, plus the serious need to NOT have another goaltending controversy in Montreal, should dispell those rumours.
Nashville Predators:
Cap Space: $15.8M
Goaltenders: P. Rinne $3.4(2 years) | X
Prospects/AHL: C. Pickard | J. Smith | A. Lindback | A. Engren
Outlook: The Predators are currently without a backup netminder. They also have alot of cash to spend. Sounds like a logical fit to me...yet, it’s not likely that Nashville wants to stir a goaltending controversy by adding Niemi as they will be in search of a qualified backup for Rinne.
New Jersey Devils:
Cap Space:
- $2.3M
Goaltenders: M. Brodeur $5.7M(2 years) | J. Hedberg $1.5M(1 year)
Prospects/AHL: J. Frazee | M. McKenna
Outlook: Kovalchuk aribitration case and Marty freakin’ Brodeur. Need I say more?
New York Islanders;
Cap Space: $ 20.88M
Goaltenders: R. Dipietro $4.5M(11 years) | D. Roloson $2.5M(1 year)
Prospect/AHL: M. Koskinen | K. Poulin | N. Lawson
Outlook: The Isles have committed themselves to Dipietro, but there are rumblings that if he can’t make a comeback this season those sentiments won’t last long. New York’s backup, Dwayne Roloson, is also a quality goaltender who possesses an over-35 contract, which means that his cap hit counts no matter what, unless traded. Snow is a creative GM and has pulled off some great moves in recent years, but I doubt he will be able to work it out so that he can land Niemi. Also, with Dipietro supposedly healthy for training camp, the Isles will stick with their “decade” man...until he’s hurt again, at least.
New York Rangers:
Cap Space: $465K
Goaltenders: H. Lundqvist $ 6.875M(4 years) | M. Biron $875K(2 years)
Prospects/AHL: C. Talbot | C. Johnson
Outlook: The Rangers signed a veteran backup to keep them steady between the pipes when their work-horse, Lundqvist, needs a break. Having below $500K left to spend under the cap with the need to re-sign RFA Marc Staal also kills that idea. The Rangers are going to have to make some moves, but none of those will include singing Niemi.
Ottawa Senators:
Cap Space: $1.279M
Goaltenders: P. Leclaire $3.8(1 year) | B. Elliiott $850K(1 year)
Prospect/AHL: M. Brodeur | R. Lehner
Outlook: The Sens don’t have the room to add Niemi and are fairly stocked between the pipes, so don’t look to Ottawa as a potential destination. The Sens are still waiting for one of their goaltenders to claim the number 1 role, a competition they are willing to wait out.
Philadelphia Flyers:
Cap Space: $327K
Goaltenders: B. Boucher $925K(1 year) | M. Leighton $1.55M(2 years) | J. Backlund $800K(2
years)
Prospects/AHL: S. Bobrovsky | B. Stewart
Outlook: The Flyers have no room to maneuver and with 3 NHL ready(2 experienced) goaltenders, Philly has no room for Niemi. Interestingly enough, although the Flyers were rumoured to be in on every goaltender under the sun, by the time a young goaltender like Niemi became available they had already spent all their money and tied up their goaltending pipeline.
Phoenix Coyotes:
Cap Space: $14.2M
Goaltenders: I. Bryzgalov $ 4.25(1 year) | J. Labarbera $1M(1 year)
Prospects/AHL: J.Gistedt | A. Montoya | M. Climie
Outlook: Money to spend, but no room for a goaltender in need of as much time as Niemi with Bryzgalov manning the Coyotes net. Expect an extension for Bryzgalov and for them to spend their money elsewhere.
Pittsburgh Penguins:
Cap Space: $ 2.17M
Goaltenders: M. Fleury $5M(5 years) | B. Johnson $600k(2 years)
Prospects/AHL: B. Thiessen | M. Modig | P. Killeen | J. Curry
Outlook: The Pens are set in nets and have plenty of stock coming up the pipeline. Whatever remaining cash they spend will likely be on offense.
San Jose Sharks;
Cap Space: $3.7M
Goaltenders: A. Nittymaki $2M(2 years) | T. Greiss $550K(1 year)
Prospect/AHL: T. Sexsmith | A. Stalock | H. Sateri | C. Hutton | T. Heemskerk
Outlook: Although it would make the most sense for Niemi to end up in San Jose(ultimately proving many right in their belief that San Jose’s original target with their offer sheet was Niemi all along), it doesn’t sound like he will be winding up there. Although Nitty and Greiss do not strike fear in most teams, the Sharks are still a very powerful team and may likely get some good results from Antero. That said, it would be very interesting to see the Sharks go for Niemi. He would round out their team and give them a formidable long-term replacement for Evgeni Nabokov.
Saint Louis Blues:
Cap Space: $14.5M
Goaltenders: J. Halak $.375M(4 years) | T. Conklin $1.3M(1 year)
Prospect/AHL: B. Bishop | J. Allen
Outlook: With their move to grab Jaroslav Halak, followed by their ensuing 4 year pact, the Blues are now set in nets and won’t be spending any more money on that position. I will also mention that Jake Allen is an extremely strong prospect who should be NHL ready in about 2 years(look for him, possibly, on Team Canada at the upcoming WJC).
Tampa Bay Lightning:
Cap Space: $13.8M
Goaltenders: M. Smith $2.2M(1 year) | D. Ellis $1.5M(2 years)
Prospects/AHL: R. Helenius | D. Tokarski | J. Janos
Outlook: The Bolts are set in nets with their young tandem of Smith and Ellis.Yzerman has
already done an excellent job in securing some strong core players for the Lightning and the Smith/Ellis combo is expected to get the job done.
Toronto Maple Leafs:
Cap Space: $2M
Goaltenders: J.S. Giguere $6M(1 year) | J. Gustavsson $1.35M(2 years)
Prospects/AHL: J. Rynnas | B. Scrivens | J. Reimer
Outlook: Little to no cap space and a need to round out their offense, the Leafs won’t likely be talking to the Niemi camp. Giguere is a strong vet goaltender who can very easily have a strong bounce back campaign and Gustavsson is being considered a possiblity as the future in nets. Don’t expect Niemi to get mixed into that mess.
Vancouver Canucks:
Cap Space:
- $2.65M
Goaltenders: R. Luongo $5.33M(12 years) | C. Schneider $900K(1 year)
Prospects/AHL: E. Lack | T. Weiman
Outlook: Luongo is locked up long-term and is the face of the franchise. Schneider is
considered by many to be better than Jon Bernier and, by that correlation, likely the best goaltender not playing in the NHL. He will step in to be the backup this year, but with Lou locked up forever, look for the Canucks to move Schneider at some point in the future. Needless to say, as they are already over the cap, no room for Niemi.
Washington Capitals:
Cap Space: $ 5.3M
Goaltenders: S. Varlamov $821K(1 year) M. Neuvirth $821K(2 years)
Prospects: B. Holtby | D. Sabourin
Outlook: Although many are suggesting that Niemi could find a nice home in Washington, the Caps are already committed to their two youngsters. Varlamov and Neuvirth are ready to split the load, and likely do a great job of it as they are both very talented. The lack of experience may hurt the Caps netiminding duo this season, but with money left to spend to round out the reigning President Trophy winning Capitals, chances are they will be spending that on defensive help(and perhaps at center...if the need be). Don’t look for Niemi in Washington unless the Capitals can move one of their two youngsters for help in their top 6.
As you can see, the league is rather stock-piled with goaltenders. And, on top of that, many of those goaltenders have been committed to long-term, whether for the right amount or not, and teams are more-or-less stuck with them.
The salary cap crunch seems to truly have taken affect this summer and harshest blow has been dealt to the goaltenders.
With talents like Carey Price still unsigned(although likely to do so in the upcoming weeks) and other forced to head to the KHL or elsewhere, it’s little wonder why the goaltender who only recently won the Stanley Cup hasn’t found a home yet.
He will though, of that you should be sure. As the above list shows, the NHL may be stocked full of goaltenders, but there is always someone out there willing to take a risk on a talent. And with a Stanley Cup ring dangling off his finger, it won’t be long until someone finds a home.
I can’t quite put my finger on where he will land, but the clues are in the cards above.
Now it’s up to us to figure it out.
Where do you think Antti Niemi will land?
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