Blackhawks to sign G Antti Raanta

[nwfisch]

http://espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/stor...ks-finland-goaltender-antti-raanta-agree-deal

The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms on an entry-level contract with standout free agent Finnish goaltender Antti Raanta.
The 6-foot, 24-year-old had a breakout season this year in the Finnish Elite League where he was the regular-season and playoff MVP.
In 45 games with Assat Pori, he was 21-10-11 with a .943 save percentage. He also started for Finland in the World Championships where he finished 4-3 with a 2.09 goals-against average and .928 save percentage.
Blackhawks starting goalie Corey Crawford still has one year remaining on his contract but backup Ray Emery is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July.

Great move by Bowman to get this guy in the fold and see how well he transfers into the NHL.

 

[Gravis]

:yeah:

 

[Gunzaan]

Does anyone know about this guy or the Finnish league? His stats seem stellar on paper, even at the Worlds.

 

[X]

Does anyone know about this guy or the Finnish league? His stats seem stellar on paper, even at the Worlds.

idk anything about the guy, other than, like you, his stats are incredible...Translation to the NHL will be the big kicker. But w/ Emery set to become a FA, it's good to get a replacement in the fold early.

 

[Bigfoot]

can never have enough depth..Looking forward to see how this kid translates to the NHL

 

[TheChicagoFan]

I think with the way Crawford is playing right now I'd like to see what this guy can do in the NHL. No need for a vet like Emery to be the backup anymore if Crawford can continue to play like he has.

 

[ClydeLee]

The goalie depth is so weak in ready talent, anything like that sounds good.

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[Diehardfan]

With the cap, unless you're poised to get after the Cup like this year's Hawks are...having a high priced veteran backup is a luxury most teams can't afford. Best to go with a veteran starter and younger(cheaper) backup. It would ne nice if he could step right in when Emery moves on. Im wondering how a young veteran star from the Finnish Elite compares to NHL players?

 

[Gunzaan]

http://hfboards.hockeysfuture.com/showthread.php?t=1088431

If you want to read up on him, which I highly encourage, there it is.

3 things that jumped out at me.

- It's a lot of good info from 3-4 Finnish people who have watched him for awhile.
- The thread was created last year, so the first 4 pages or so are all updates on his crazy stats.
- The last few pages are all about the teams interested in signing them.... There was quite a lot of NHL interest.

After reading that thread, I'm excited to see him in action next year!!

 

[dabynsky]

This seems like a good move. The Hawks need to make some tough choices and basically everyone behind Crawford is a UFA after the postseason. This is a nice add to be able to go cheap on backup goalie and maybe keep a couple of the other forwards that are going to be free agents.

 

[Gunzaan]

http://hfboards.hockeysfuture.com/showthread.php?t=1440541

Here is another good thread about him... Some of the Finnish guys claim he has the potential to be as good as Kiper, Thomas, Niemi, Volkoun, amongst others that have played in that same league. Also, the Hawks were the first team to contact him and they have been following him for months, hence this isn't a "reactionary signing" to his recent incredible playoff run.

Niiiiiiiice.

 

[Capt. Serious]

Nice signing. Rather have him backing up next yr & let Emery walk.

 

[TallTitan34]

Can't wait for a Pat Foley, "Antti Raanta says no!"

 

[whitesoxman77]

I saw the beginning of the thread title and thought we got Niemi back :lol:

 

[Gunzaan]

I saw the beginning of the thread title and thought we got Niemi back :lol:

I get the joke, but you really didn't read his last name?

 

[whitesoxman77]

Well I was on main forum page and not in the Blackhawks forum, so it said "Blackhawks Sign G Antti...."


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[Gunzaan]

Well I was on main forum page and not in the Blackhawks forum, so it said "Blackhawks Sign G Antti...."


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Ahhh, well then my bad, that is a totally legit excuse

And, maybe your post was foreshadowing.... If he can produce a run in the future like Niemi did.....

 

[TL1961]

He starts off slowly, but he can really .....No, don't say it!