Antti Niemi signed a four-year extension that will keep him in teal through the 2014-15 season.
At $3.8 million per year, a salary-cap friendly price for a Stanley Cup winning and underrated net-minder, Niemi is currently the longest contracted Shark—and the only player under contract for the 2014-2015 season.
Expect to see Antero Niittymaki traded in the offseason and don't expect a lot in return. His $2M salary next year needs to be dumped in order to make room for Antti Niemi's salary under the cap.
As well as that, expect to see either Alex Stalock or Thomas Greiss as the full-time backup goalie next year, while Tyson Sexsmith sees some time in Worcester of the AHL after spending time in Stockton of the ECHL this year.
Stalock has a salary of $850,000 when he plays in the NHL, which may prohibit him from being called up since the Sharks are generally up against the cap.
Thomas Greiss makes $300,000 less at $550,000, but his contract is up and he's a Restricted Free Agent after this year. If he wants the backup role in the NHL next year, he can re-sign for a similar amount and force the team's hand into cho ...
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Article written by Brian Winett
Antti Niemi’s Contract Extension and the Future of San Jose Sharks Goaltending
March 1st, 2011 by Brian Winett Leave a reply »
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