The San Jose Sharks are on the verge of signing unrestricted free agent goalie Antti Niemi to a one-year, $2 million contract, according to the Sporting News.
Niemi, who backstopped the Hawks to the 2009-10 Stanley Cup championship, became a UFA after the Hawks walked away from his one-year, $2.75 million awarded contract via arbitration.
The Sharks already signed free agent goalie Antero Niittymaki to a two-year, $4 million contract in early July. The addition of Niemi further strengthens their position between the pipes.
Last month, the Sharks signed Chicago Blackhawks restricted free agent defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson to a four-year, $14 million offer sheet, which the Hawks later matched.
Niemi, a native of Vantaa, Finland, posted a 26-7-4 record with the Hawks last season, along with a 2.25 goals-against-average and a .912 save percentage in 39 games. He followed up his solid season performance by going 16-6 in the playoffs.
Files from:
Sporting News
