Niemi's arbitration is today

[killgod]

Starts right now.

Whatever deal he's awarded should cause for a thing or two to happen. Gonna be interesting to see who has to leave Chicago next.

[The Buddha]

Starts right now.

Whatever deal he's awarded should cause for a thing or two to happen. Gonna be interesting to see who has to leave Chicago next.

If he comes in @ 2-2.5 you will not see anyone big leave Chicago. He comes in any higher and I think you will see a new goalie starting in Chicago come October.

[killgod]

If he comes in @ 2-2.5 you will not see anyone big leave Chicago. He comes in any higher and I think you will see a new goalie starting in Chicago come October.

No sane arbitrator will pay him less than Halak. Something is corrupt if that happens.

[The Buddha]

No sane arbitrator will pay him less than Halak. Something is corrupt if that happens.

Which is probably why most Blackhawk fans have come to the reality that Niemi will not be back.

[Ravin]

So blackhawk fans....



How do you feel about your $5M goalie starting next season

[killgod]

lol gtfo!

[The Buddha]

So blackhawk fans....



How do you feel about your $5M goalie starting next season

I think he will do a fine job with the Rockford Icehogs. Him and Crawford can battle it out down there.

[Senators26]

Hawks have a press conference in about 10 minutes.

[leaffan]

2.75mil is his ruling.

Interesting.

[The Buddha]

2.75mil is his ruling.

Interesting.

That number is really really good for the Hawks. While they will be pushing the limit signing him @ 2.75, I think you pull the trigger and do it.

[leaffan]

That number is really really good for the Hawks. While they will be pushing the limit signing him @ 2.75, I think you pull the trigger and do it.

I'm almost thinking they won't sign him at this point but the revolving door of goalies in their organization is going to continue.

If they do sign him I don't see why they couldn't ship Huet to someone like the Oilers.

[The Buddha]

I'm almost thinking they won't sign him at this point but the revolving door of goalies in their organization is going to continue.

If they do sign him I don't see why they couldn't ship Huet to someone like the Oilers.

I do not like the current plan if Niemi walks.

Sign Turco for 1 year, and then play the same game with re-signing/going FA in the offseason? Not to mention that the "goalie of the future" is a RFA next year, so they will either have to pay him or let him walk.

Sign Niemi for the 2.75, if he shows that last year wasnt a fluke you re-sign him to a long term deal. Then you have the stability in the net that the team needs.

[leaffan]

Most people are saying the hawks arn't signing him and are going with Turco for 1.5mil.

[The Buddha]

Most people are saying the hawks arn't signing him and are going with Turco for 1.5mil.

Rumors are floating around that even if they do sign him, it will be for trade purposes only.

[Senators26]

I think this is over the amount that Chicago wanted to pay. They will likely walk away and bring Turco in.