(UPDATED) Blackhawks to Decide Niemi's Fate

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Aug 2, 2010 5:15PM

UPDATE: The Blackhawks have reached their decision and have bid adieu to Antti Niemi, officially signing Marty Turco to a one-year deal.

Over the weekend, an arbitrator ruled that Blackhawks goalie Antti Niemi deserves a salary of $2.75 million for the 2010-11 season, more than the $1.5 million believed to be offered by the team and less than the $4 million the rookie net minder asked for. While the salary would just squeak in under the 'Hawks salary cap, the lack of flexibility to round out the roster means that GM Stan Bowman has some serious thinking to do. The Blackhawks have 48 hours from Saturday's ruling to decide whether to accept the arbitrator's ruling and sign Niemi to a one-year contract or allow him to become an unrestricted free agent. Another option is to sign him and then make a trade.

Will the Hawks part ways with yet another popular piece of their Stanley Cup team? While a reserve behind Cristobal Huet for most of the season, Niemi played all but one period in their playoff run going 16-6 with a .910 save percentage, 2.63 goals-against average during the 2010 playoffs.

The Hawks are also likely to dump Huet, whether by optioning him to the minors or having him play in Europe. So who would fill the net for the Blackhawks next season? Rumors suggest Marty Turco, a nine-year vet who has played his entire career for the Dallas Stars, and the team have a verbal agreement in place should Bowman decide to part ways with Niemi. And if one reads between the lines, that's looking increasingly likely. We should know more later today.