Sharks Waive Antero Niittymaki, Pick Him Up?

by nhhockey14 on Jan 26, 2012 11:05 AM EST

The Sharks just waived Antero Niittymaki, anyone else think he'd be worth picking up? Who knows how long Boucher will be out with his injury, and Niittymaki is UFA at the end of the season. He could be a decent rental option who could push Cam Ward. If Boucher does come back early, he can always be traded before the deadline or waived again. Charlotte's goaltending is shakey at the moment with Murphy out with an injury, and Peters up replacing Boucher. I would say claim Niittymaki, and either trade or waive Boucher when he comes back. IMO Boucher has been quite a disappointment. Peters or Murphy could have done just as good if not better. Murphy hadn't allowed a goal with the Canes yet, but wasn't given a chance to start a game.

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Why?

I don’t see a team with budget constraints, in last place renting a goalie with a .896 save percentage for a prorated $2,000,000. I could see Tampa Bay picking him up as both their options in goal are not good.

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by Mullett on Jan 26, 2012 11:35 AM EST reply actions

As Ward’s backup he might play in 3 or 4 games in the next 30. Peters is just fine for that. Boucher is already signed for next year. Unless Antero can play 1st line wing and dependably score when we are 4 on 4 there is no interest.

by surgalt on Jan 26, 2012 12:58 PM EST reply actions

Agree

We are not a hopeful for a playoff spot, we need to better spend our budget elsewhere. Boucher is an equal or better back up once he’s back.

by Squeaky83 on Jan 26, 2012 1:16 PM EST reply actions

Bouch is better.

I really like Bouch. Have you guys ever seen his Russian impersonation? Lol.

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by Sharkz_N_Phinz on Jan 27, 2012 12:06 AM EST via Android app up reply actions

Not at all. Niittymaki is overpaid and a bad goaltender. That is why he is being waived.

Boucher was fine when he played. It’s unfortunate that he was injured, but replacing him with an overpaid back-up who will play 3 games is stupid.

by hurricane9 on Jan 26, 2012 4:19 PM EST reply actions

Niittymaki is not a bad goaltender.

by jfhammon on Jan 26, 2012 6:53 PM EST up reply actions

Not good enough to beat out a rookie for a starting position

by hurricane9 on Jan 26, 2012 9:47 PM EST up reply actions

Back-up position, excuse me

by hurricane9 on Jan 26, 2012 9:47 PM EST up reply actions

Griess isn't a rookie.

He’s been with us a while. He was Nabbys backup then went to Europe.

This is Team Teal. Sharks and Phins.
Cut me open and I bleed Teal...

by Sharkz_N_Phinz on Jan 27, 2012 12:07 AM EST via Android app up reply actions

Griess has been around for awhile too. He played for Germany as their No.1 keeper last Olympics.

by rubyhawk on Jan 28, 2012 1:22 PM EST up reply actions

Eh...

Boucher was really pretty bad. .888/3.27 for the year.

Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.

by MichaelProcton on Feb 5, 2012 1:44 PM EST up reply actions

In related news, Michael Smith tweeted that Boucher will probably start skating shortly after the ASG break, per JR.

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by Jamie Kellner on Jan 26, 2012 4:43 PM EST reply actions

Define bad

if he had played enough games last year, he would’ve finished 29th in the league in GAA (2.71) and 40th in Sv% (.896). So far this year, he hasn’t gotten into a game. Typically, bottom third of the league would be pretty universally considered bad.

Oh, and that 2.71 GAA that would’ve put him at 29th in the league was a career best.

For $2M, we’re better off with whoever is willing to stand between the pipes on Ward’s 3-4 nights off.

by NH_CaneFan on Jan 26, 2012 7:55 PM EST reply actions

Take it from a Sharks fan...

You don’t want Nitty. He’s not a terrible goalie, he’s just not very good. I’m glad he’s gone. We will however gladly trade Nitty for Skinner straight up:-D

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Cut me open and I bleed Teal...

by Sharkz_N_Phinz on Jan 27, 2012 12:05 AM EST via Android app reply actions