After several arbitration meetings and salary negotiations the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks have decided to walk away from goaltender Niemi and sign veteran-netminder Marty Turco from the Dallas Stars.
The Blackhawks saw several weeks of give-and-take with Niemi, who was the only player who filed for arbitration in the organization, before heading into the hearing on Saturday. Chicago was struggling with cap space, and Niemi required a raise as he anchored the net efforts in the Blackhawks first Stanley Cup in 49 years. Though the Blackhawks made some trades that allowed space for Niemi’s $2.75 million contract (as determined by the arbitrator) it wasn’t as appealing as the $1.3 million contract for Turco.
"That number was never going to work for us," Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said during "The Afternoon Saloon" radio show. "So we would have had to make some other moves to free up money.
"But as we talked to different teams about options, nothing really ever materialized. So it was a matter of just not being there financially. We were fortunate to be able to get someone of Marty's ability and record to be able to come in and work within our budget."
Turco has spent nine seasons in Dallas, and the Blackhawks will be just the second NHL team he has ever suited up with. The Ontario-native has been shopping around during the offseason for a new team in contention for the Stanley Cup, and has been fairly picky in his selection. He turned down a three-year $2 million per season contract with the Philadelphia Flyers back in June. Chicago, however, is a team that he has always wanted to play for and is surprised by the opportunity that came his way.
"We were a little bit surprised," said Turco. "I said earlier about the desire to play for [the Blackhawks] before the playoffs even began. When they won, I assumed the opportunity was erased."
His one-year contract will give him the opportunity to defend the Cup, a prize he has yet to claim in his career. Turco has posted solid numbers throughout his professional career, recording a .913 save percentage with a 2.72 goals against average in 2009-2010.
The decision leaves Niemi as an unrestricted free agent, but as a very tempting opportunity for other teams in the league. Though he posted similar stats to Turco in 2009-10 (2.25 GAA, .912 save percentage), he sets himself apart in the fact that he already has a Stanley Cup under his belt, and he’s only played 42 career games in the NHL.
It is reported that the Washington Capitals and the Edmonton Oilers are top contenders interested in signing Niemi.
