The Chicago Blackhawks didn't win the Stanley Cup because of goaltending. But rookie Antti Niemi made the saves when he had to, and he didn't get his team in trouble with any particular bad goals. He did exactly what a goalie needs to do, and the Blackhawks organization is grateful. But even after losing a lot of their supporting cast, they are still over the salary cap, and with Niemi going to salary arbitration, GM Stan Bowman is non-committal about holding onto the netminder. The decision is likely to be made on Saturday, July 31th, 2010. If the price is more than they can afford, they will have to let him go. If that happens, the Hawks aren't without options, the biggest being right under their noses.
Cristobal Huet Wants to Prove He's a Number One Goalie
One of the biggest reasons the Hawks had to shed nearly half the roster, spends most of his time sitting at the end of the bench. Thirty-four year old Cristobal Huet had a great season with the Montreal Canadiens and a solid playoff run with the Washington Capitals earning him a four-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2008 worth over $5 million dollars a season. However Huet wasn't able to hold onto the starting job, and has spent the majority of his time in Chicago as a back-up. Huet has a lot to prove, assuming that he wants to, because at the moment he's viewed as being one of the most overpaid players in the NHL. With a Stanley Cup ring on his finger, it's very possible Huet is out to show the Hawks they didn't make a mistake in signing him, and if they don't keep Niemi, there's no reason Chicago can't give Huet another shot at being number one. They have two good prospects in the system as well, in 25 year old Corey Crawford and 26 year old Hannu Toivonen, both of whom could be capable back-ups. There is still the solid defensive core that won Chicago the Stanley Cup in Duncan Keith, Brian Campbell, Brent Seabrook and Niklas Hjalmarrson, and the talent up front in Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp. The Hawks have Huet under contract, eating up a large portion of salary. Why not actually play him?
The Blackhawks Could Sign a Free-Agent Goalie
If the Hawks have really had it with Huet, and absolutely have no faith in him, there is a possibility his contract could be buried in the minors to free up cap space. If that happens, and Chicago doesn't hang onto Niemi, they could sign one of the available free agent goalies. The biggest name out there is former Dallas Stars netminder Marty Turco. The 34 year old had a good career in Dallas, but after a couple of bad seasons, and a trade for the younger Kari Lethonen, it appeared Turco's time in Texas was up. Free agency came and went this year, and Turco remains unsigned. There was a rumor he was close to signing with the Phiadelphia Flyers, but that didn't pan out. The veteran goalie, if signed cheap, could be a great fit for the defending Stanley Cup champs. Former Washington Capital Jose Theodore is also available. When the Blackhawks matched a $3.5 million dollar offer sheet from the San Jose Sharks for defenseman Niklas Hjamarrson, it was clear they didn't want to lose him. Niemi on the other hand, seems a little more expendable for the cash strapped Champions.
Marcia Di Michele - In addition to Suite101, Marcy is also a writer for TheHockeyWriters.com and blogs for Sports Illustrated's Fannation page. Marcy has been ...
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