Chicago Blackhawks, Antti Niemi Coming To a Head

Savoir_Faire_18 · Jul 28, 2010

As a Blackhawks fan, July 29th has been noted in my cell phone since we learned of the arbitration date.

As many know an arbitrator will decide on a ruling regarding the showdown between the club and its netminder.

Many have been waiting in hopes to see the situation being resolved beforehand, but unfortunately those hopes have been extinguished... well to a mere flicker.

Now with the arbitration 24 hours away, both sides have now seen the arguments of the opposition. Accordingly, the Blackhawks' front office has been seeking right around $2 million, while agent Bill Zito has been waiting for an offer in the $3 to $4 million dollar range.

For the entire story: Chicago Blackhawks, Antti Niemi Coming To a Head | Chi City Sports l Chicago Sports News - Blog - Message Board - Fans

Capt. Serious · Jul 28, 2010

Prediction: Antti won't be a Hawk after tomorrow because of his ridiculous $ raise he wants. Hello Turco or Theodore!

Captain Iago · Jul 28, 2010

In comparable to Niemi's regular season numbers (using gp and sv % as it is more goalie oriented/specific):

Rinne about 3x gp, little better sv % (for year +.01; +.04 career)
Halak about 2.5x more gp, much better sv % (for year +.12; +.09 career) wasn't a clear #1 because of Mtl's obsession in Price
Quick 3x gp, little worse sv % (for year -.05; -.02 career)
Anderson 4x gp, little better sv % (for year +.05; +.03 career)

The most glaring issue to me is the gp number/multiplier. If the Hawks don't try to discredit these goalies who have played in more games, they're sunk. If I'm Zito, I pull out Hiller's contract, which is well within the bounds of using for arbitration purposes (4.5 salary and aav, Halak-esque sv % in only 3x more gp).

I like Rask's regular season gp compared to Niemi: just 8 more gp, sv % is better (+.019 yr; +.020 career).