I can't imagine a team giving Niemi more than what the 'Hawks can offer. However, if that is actually the case, and Niemi leaves, it's not a total loss. The Blackhawks would get good draft compensation for Niemi's loss and would help build from within and keep the talent pool high. In addition, the Blackhawks brass has discussed more than once they want to model their franchise off of Detroit. The past 15 years or so of Detroit dominance has been marked by an excellent team mentality, defense, and OK goal-tending (though Hasek was a great player). They had goalies who stepped up at the right time; such as Mike Vernon. It can be done with a decent goal-tending, and if the 'Hawks were unfortunate enough to lose Niemi, the core of the team will get us back in the playoffs. It's the goalie's job to just keep the team in the game. I hope Chicago does not go into panic mode if Niemi is traded; nor would I want the management to spend frivolously on yet another ridiculous goalie salary a la Huet.
