They tried to sign him. I think 2 million a year for 3 years. Correct me if Im wrong.

According to what I heard at the time which proved to be correct throughout that summer....The Hawks never offered Niemi a $2 mill contract.

Actually they had a chance to sign Niemi for $2 mill after the Sharks made the offer to him and chose not to.
- Al

Heard the offer was in the 1.5-1.75 range. I think Niemi's agent saw there was a bigger pay day waiting for him elsewhere

Heard the offer was in the 1.5-1.75 range. I think Niemi's agent saw there was a bigger pay day waiting for him elsewhere
- eburgio

Don't thnk they made an official offer after the Hammer offer sheet.
The talk of Niemi looking for 4-5 mill was way off base.

The Hawks made their choice and they weren't going to pay Niemi $2 mill...

They didn't offer him that much and they had a right to match the $ 2 mill from the Sharks because the SJ offer was more 10% below the arb award.

It is most accurate to say although money was tight the Hawks front office made their choice....

It was Crawford as the goalie "to be"....and a bargain signing in Turco.

Goalie market was really soft and Zitto/Niemi knew the same despit being a Cup winner....Niemi had little leverage.

Heard the offer was in the 1.5-1.75 range. I think Niemi's agent saw there was a bigger pay day waiting for him elsewhere
- eburgio

Don't thnk they made an official offer after the Hammer offer sheet.
The talk of Niemi looking for 4-5 mill was way off base.

The Hawks made their choice and they weren't going to pay Niemi $2 mill...

They didn't offer him that much and they had a right to match the $ 2 mill from the Sharks because the SJ offer was more 10% below the arb award.

It is most accurate to say although money was tight the Hawks front office made their choice....

It was Crawford as the goalie "to be"....and a bargain signing in Turco.

Goalie market was really soft and Zitto/Niemi knew the same despit being a Cup winner....Niemi had little leverage.

They tried to sign him. I think 2 million a year for 3 years. Correct me if Im wrong.

According to what I heard at the time which proved to be correct throughout that summer....The Hawks never offered Niemi a $2 mill contract.

Actually they had a chance to sign Niemi for $2 mill after the Sharks made the offer to him and chose not to.
- Al

Were the Blackhawks allowed to signed Niemi to a $2 million contract after walking away from a $2.75 million arbitration award? I know we were up against the cap that year, but there must have been a away to free up $700K if we could have signed Niemi for $2 million.

Were the Blackhawks allowed to signed Niemi to a $2 million contract after walking away from a $2.75 million arbitration award? I know we were up against the cap that year, but there must have been a away to free up $700K if we could have signed Niemi for $2 million.
- DarthKane

yes, as Al said, we could have matched the lower offer. instead gave the money to another of q's buddies (brunette) and just like w/kompon this yr and the PP, we see how that's worked out.

Were the Blackhawks allowed to signed Niemi to a $2 million contract after walking away from a $2.75 million arbitration award? I know we were up against the cap that year, but there must have been a away to free up $700K if we could have signed Niemi for $2 million.
- DarthKane

The arb award was not matched and the contract Niemi accepted was for more than 10% less than the arb award.

When that happens the original team can match the offer and resign the player.

Like I said another direction was chosen...

Poblem with Zeus looking so bad is Q. is stuck unless he moves Kruger.

Shaw could move up to the 2nd line but the 3rd line has been consistent and Q. might not want to screw with it.
- Al

I realize this subject has been beaten to death...

...but if the Hawks need a 2C, the best candidate is standing 10 away and he's a very handsome man.

I realize this subject has been beaten to death...

...but if the Hawks need a 2C, the best candidate is standing 10 away and he's a very handsome man.
- ArlingtonRob

Wouldn't shock me to see your suggestion happen tonight.

I realize this subject has been beaten to death...

...but if the Hawks need a 2C, the best candidate is standing 10 away and he's a very handsome man.
- ArlingtonRob

I saw what you did there . . .

The arb award was not matched and the contract Niemi accepted was for more than 10% less than the arb award.

When that happens the original team can match the offer and resign the player.

Like I said another direction was chosen...
- Al

Thanks, I got side tracked when I was writing my last post. I started before you posted your message but finished after.

I am a Crawford fan but I would take Niemi back in a heart beat.

Wouldn't shock me to see your suggestion happen tonight.
- Al

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Sharp play center full time during the cup run in 2010?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Sharp play center full time during the cup run in 2010?
- ArlingtonRob

I don't recall if he did every game but the majority of the time I believe so.

Thanks, I got side tracked when I was writing my last post. I started before you posted your message but finished after.

I am a Crawford fan but I would take Niemi back in a heart beat.
- DarthKane

Most people around the league were shocked Niemi wasn't resigned.

I always like him and would have found a way.

The arb award was not matched and the contract Niemi accepted was for more than 10% less than the arb award.

When that happens the original team can match the offer and resign the player.

Like I said another direction was chosen...
- Al

I think they also thought that they had gotten lucky with Niemi in winning the Cup and no way would he be as good playing behind a much weaker team the following season. They had Crawford cheap for that year and then signed that complete and out and out stiff Marty Turco for $1M.

And who knows, maybe Rocky called down and asked why he had to keep signing cheques for some mystery guy named Huet when the Blackhawks were losing money again.

Most people around the league were shocked Niemi wasn't resigned.

I always like him and would have found a way.
- Al

Not letting Hjalmarsson get offer sheeted would have been a good start.

Poblem with Zeus looking so bad is Q. is stuck unless he moves Kruger.

Shaw could move up to the 2nd line but the 3rd line has been consistent and Q. might not want to screw with it.
- Al

He has to be out of the lineup when Bolland gets back, I can't stand his passive no faceoff winning butt

Tracey Myers reporting its Carbomb for Bollig tonight on the fourth line.

http://www.csnchicago.com...cillo-bring-energy-lineup
- Return of the Roar

There's our answer on game 3's passivity from the Hawks (and Q). Expect some pushback tonight. Bollig earned a seat by not bringing any measurable physicality.

Hopefully Zeus' even strength minutes are a little more limited tonight. He didn't seem to handle the extra workload so well.

Hawks left the D vulnerable much of the night by continually (and vainly) going for the long ball. The passes should be shorter and quicker tonight until more opens up. Can't wait to see the game.

He has to be out of the lineup when Bolland gets back, I can't stand his passive no faceoff winning butt
- rollpards19

If Handzus is around 30% tonight maybe so...

Fleury lets in a huge softy to seal it for the Isles..

Great play by Kaner..