Niemi, Hjalmarsson, Probert and Some Loose Ends
Al Cimaglia | Jul 06, 2010 | Comments 21
The deadline for eligible RFA’s to file for arbitration was on Monday. Antti Niemi did choose to file for arbitration which should not have been a surprise. The only reason Niemi wouldn’t have done so is if his new contract was signed, sealed and delivered.
From what I have heard Stan Bowman, and Niemi’s agent Bill Zito haven’t been haggling for very long. Bowman’s was preoccupied until recently with the draft and trimming payroll. Actually whispers were the two didn’t speak about Niemi’s contract before July 1.
Zito always seemed to get a favorable deal for his clients when negotiating with the Hawks in the past. One of Zito’s clients is Tuomo Ruutu who ended up with a nice multi- year contract from Chicago management a few years ago. But the Dale Tallon days are over and now we will see how Bowman and Zito play together.
The tricky part of the Niemi’s contract will be if Bowman can sign him to a multi-year deal. One way or the other Niemi would be eligible to become a UFA after this year. The Hawks would rather sign him for more than one season. Otherwise they may have to go through a similar situation next summer unless Niemi is not in their future plans. It appears even if Niemi goes through the arbitration process the Hawks will have cap space to sign him.
***After looking more closely at the CBA the Hawks appear to have an upper hand, as Niemi has a short resume. The club can elect to go for a ruling on a two year contract. That would be another reason for Niemi to sign a multi-year deal and not go through the arbitration process. If the Blackhawks roll the dice on a two year arbitration ruling then Niemi wouldn’t become a UFA after next sesason. The drawback for the Hawks is if Niemi was awarded a huge contract, but they could then walk away and he would become a UFA. ***
Given a choice the Hawk would like to get both Niemi and Niklas Hjalmarsson signed soon but there isn’t a big rush. Niemi has more leverage than Hammer who is not eligible for arbitration. There appears to be little chance of Hjalmarsson receiving an offer sheet.
As with Niemi it would be better for the Hawks to lock the young defender up for a few years. At this point Hjalmarsson’s new deal may depend on how much available cap space is left after Niemi comes to terms.
From a business standpoint it would have been wise for the Hawks to sign both young RFA’s to a contract extension during the winter. After Pat Kane, Duncan Keith and Jonathan Toews were given extensions there was no tagging space availble for the following year. So Bowman had little choice but to wait until the season was over. Unfortunately for the Blackhawks both contract values have increased with the passing of time.
Recently I’ve gotten some inquiries regarding contract extension talks involving Niemi which were supposedly happening during later rounds of the playoffs. As far as I know those rumors are false.
NHL teams don’t negotiate with players on contract extensions during the playoffs. It would been almost impossible for contract talks to have taken place with Niemi’s agent during the Stanley Cup finals. No matter what was written on the internet here, or on euro hockey sites, it would have defied logic and protocol for contact talks to have happened during the post season.
The Hawks may not have had a plan in place accounting for a Conn Smythe bonus for Toews. But a good portion of the $4 million or so in performance bonuses was probably anticipated because some players figured to hit their marks. Concerning contract extensions for Niemi or Hjalmarsson it didn’t matter, the tagging space wasn’t available anyway.
If it was possible the time to re-sign both players was in February. Certainly by then Chicago management would have known Hjalmarsson was the real deal. But the contract extensions for the ‘big three’ seem to have limited the ability for management to re-sign anyone else sooner.
Recently there also has been some confusion concerning a player from the KHL who supposedly had agreed to contract terms with the Blackhawks.
As far as I know Niklas Perrson, who ultimately signed on with Tampa Bay, was never under contract or close to signing with Chicago.
Maybe the Hawks had an interest in signing the 31 year old forward who has never played in the NHL???
But certainly there would have been no reason to sit on the signing and not announce it publicly if it did happen. Hawk management knew for awhile exactly how much cap space was available to sign additional players. If a contract signing is not published on the Hawks website, TSN or NHL.com, it is not a done deal.
I’m hearing good reports about defenseman John Scott.
Scott is supposedly a bright player who might be able to contribute some on offense also. It appears Bowman made a good signing in the tough Scott, who will especially help the Hawks cause when they play certain clubs. This season the Hawks can’t afford to leave points on the table against a division rival like St. Louis.
The Hawks could have a few new players in their line-up which can fight if needed. Bryan Bickell and Jake Dowell can take care of themselves and some teammates. The Hawks will have a different look next year and they may play with more of an edge.
Al’s Shots
There was some sad news on Monday with the passing of Bob Probert who just turned 45 years old.
Probert was one of the toughest players ever and was the best fighter in the last 30 years. In his prime Probert could do more than fight as he had some skill too.
Probert compiled 384 points in 935 NHL games, including 3300 penalty minutes.
I have a Bob Probert story to share.
There was someone from my old neighborhood that ‘worked’ for the Hawks for over 20 years. His name was John Stanko, and when I say worked for the Hawks, he never actually was paid by the team as far as I know.
John was like a locker room attendant, he spent much of his time at his second job washing Hawks practice jerseys, towels and whatever else. The players loved John and he was a character. The guys would chip in at the end of the season and tip John for all of his work.
One day when Probert was with the Hawks, John called a friend of mine while he was doing the wash. He told my buddy to hang on because someone wanted to speak to him.
Stanko puts the phone down and yells over…Hey Probie someone wants to talk to you.
Probert finishes up in the weight room and grabs the phone. Big Bob then spends the next 10 minutes holding a conversation with someone he didn’t know.
Probert realized it was a feel good for Stanko to show he had some clout with a Hawk player. Probert didn’t hesitate to do something nice for someone many athletes from other sports would have thought of as just a towel guy.
Hockey players in general are that way and Probert was certainly a good, genuine person. He was very well liked and will be missed.
In fact so was Stanko who passed away a few years ago. I would like to think both are together now sharing a few laughs.
My sincere condolences go out to the Probert family and his many friends.
I have not heard any rumblings but it wouldn’t surprsie me if the Hawks made a pitch for Mike Modano.
It may come down to money. Modano is aware to play in the NHL he will have to take a big pay cut.
Another solid veteran influence is always a good thing for a young team.
I think signing Modano wouldn’t waste a roster spot. He could help out on the penalty kill and would probbaly love to play in Chicago.
blackhawkswin@ comcast.net
Filed Under: Al Cimaglia • Chicago Blackhawks • Featured • NHL
Al, very good article, especially the Probert story.
Out of curiosity, I looked up the criteria for NHL RFA’s and salary arbitration and found this on About.com:
—>
The evidence that can be used in arbitration cases:
•The player’s “overall performance” including statistics in all previous seasons.
•Injuries, illnesses and the number of games played.
•The player’s length of service with the team and in the NHL.
•The player’s “overall contribution” to the team’s success or failure.
•The player’s “special qualities of leadership or public appeal.”
•The performance and salary of any player alleged to be “comparable” to the player in the dispute.
Evidence that is not admissible:
•The salary and performance of a “comparable” player who signed a contract as an unrestricted free agent.
•Testimonials, video and media reports.
•The financial state of the team.
•The salary cap and the state of the team’s payroll.
—>
The above suggests that Zito would have to make a strong case for Niemi to receive an award in the $3Mil/per range, as Antti has only been in the NHL one season.
Re: Modano, apparently he was in contact with the Hawks some years ago when negotiations with Dallas were not going well.
If getting another chance to win a Cup is more important than money; and he is, as he says, ready to be a 3rd/4th line guy, Chicago can certainly use his tangible skills and his ‘intangibles’.
The best comparables from a Hawks standpoint are Anderson and Quick…both at $1.8 with more games played in the NHL than Nimei.
Arbitration in the NHL isn’t a science…
But maybe an arbitrator would award Niemi about $2.5 which would more be more than the two I mentioned…
Maybe he would consider Nimei being worth more money because of winning the Cup.
The big issue for the Hawks is if they can agree on a longer term than 1 year.
It appears the club gets to choose whether it will be a 1 year or 2 year contract, so the Hawks could at least get 2 years?
Yes… and that might the a reason for Nimei to agree to a multi yr. deal before hand.
Al,
If Niemi is a UFA after next season it would make sense for him to look at a one year deal and prove his worth unless Bowman offers him something substantial in cash and term. Big game of chicken going on I suspect. I like your comparables. 3 mil per seems a bit high to me. I agree with Dave.
If it goes to arbitration do the ‘hawks have the right to refuse and allow him to walk?
Nope…they could trade him the way they did Kyle Calder, after the arbitrator’s ruling but can’t walk away.
The Hawks probably have more of an interest in signing him to a 3 yr deal…but if Niemi falters this season he will be hard pressed to get a $2.5-$3 mill dollar contract next summer…the door swings both ways.
Fortunately for the Hawks Niemi didn’t earn a big salary last season..even if an arbitrator gave him a huge raise of $2 mill he would still earn less than $3 mill.
My original thinking was $ 8.5 for 3 yrs…
I think.. but am not positive the team can walk away if they were the one to file for abitration…not 100% sure.
If Shruew is around I am sure he is knee deep in the CBA by now…lol
***I added a paragraph which might make the Niemi arbitration process a little clearer…maybe***
The team can walk away…and the player then becoomes a UFA.
The team can elect to go for 2 yrs…the Hawks would probabaly do so.
My guess is it is doubtful this goes to arbitration.
Niemi doesn’t have enough games in the NHL to validate higher comparables…
The Hawks seem to have the upper hand.
Take an aspirin or have a cocktail and read on if you must…
12.6. Walk-Away Rights.
(a) If a Club has elected to arbitrate a one year contract,
and the award issued is for $550,000 or more per annum, then the
Club may, within 72 hours after the award of the Arbitrator is
issued (or if a Club has any other player still eligible for
salary arbitration at that time and for whom a decision has not
been rendered by an Arbitrator at that time, and the Club still
has a walk-away right available to it in such League Year
pursuant to paragraph (d) below, 72 hours after the award of the
Arbitrator for such other player is issued), notify the player,
the NHLPA and the NHL in writing that it does not intend to
tender to the player a Player Contract based on the award as
determined by the Arbitrator. Upon receipt of that notice, the
player shall automatically be deemed to be an Unrestricted Free
Agent, subject to the provisions of paragraphs (c) and (d) below.
(b) If a Club has elected to arbitrate a two year contract
and the award issued is for $550,000 or more per annum, then the
Club may, within 72 hours after the award of the Arbitrator is
issued (or, if a Club has any other player still eligible for
salary arbitration at that time and for whom a decision has not
been rendered by an Arbitrator at that time, and the Club still
has a walk-away right available to it in such League Year
pursuant to paragraph (d) below, 72 hours after the award of the
Arbitrator for such other player is issued), notify the player,
the NHLPA and the NHL in writing that it does not intend to
tender to the player a two year Player Contract based on the
award as determined by the Arbitrator. Upon receipt of that
notice by either the player or the NHL, the player and the Club
shall enter into a one year Player Contract providing for the
Compensation set forth in the award and the player will
automatically be deemed to be an Unrestricted Free Agent at the
conclusion of that one year Player Contract subject to the
provisions of paragraphs (c) and (d) below.
(c) If a Club exercises its walk-away right, the following
applies:
(i) If the player accepts an offer from a
New Club in respect of that year of the contract which the Prior
Club has walked-away from that is less than 80% of the award for
such year, the Prior Club may, within seven (7) days after the
date it receives the applicable Offer Sheet, elect to match the
offer of the New Club and the Player and the Prior Club shall
enter into a Player Contract on those terms and conditions; or
(ii) The player may (A) within seven (7)
days after receipt of notice from the player’s Prior Club that
the Prior Club elects to walk-away from the arbitration award, in
respect of the Prior Club’s request for a one year contract, or
(B) by July 15 of the League Year following
the expiry of the first year of the award issued by the
Arbitrator where the Club had requested a two-year contract, in
either case by written notice to the Club, elect to enter into a
Player Contract with the Club on the terms and conditions set
forth in the Prior Club’s Qualifying Offer. If such election is
timely exercised, the Club must enter into such contract and, at
the end of the term thereof, the Player shall be a free agent
subject to the provisions of Article 10.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b)
above, a Club may exercise the walk-away rights referred to
therein not more than 3 times in any contiguous two League Years
and in any event not more than twice in any League Year. If a
Club exercises its walk-away right with respect to a two year
award, the walk-away right shall be deemed to be exercised in the
first year of the two year contract.
(e) The dollar amount of $550,000 set forth in each of
paragraphs (a) and (b) above, shall be increased on an annual
basis at the same percentage rate of increase as the Average
League Salary, with the commencement of the 1996/97 League Year
being the first year such increase shall take effect. By way of
example, if the Average League Salary on June 30, 1996 has
increased by 10% from the Average League Salary on June 30, 1995,
then the figure of $550,000 stated in paragraphs (a) and (b)
above, shall be increased by 10% on June 30, 1996, and the
ability of a Club to walk-away from an arbitration award rendered
after June 30, 1996, shall be adjusted accordingly. For each
League Year thereafter, a similar comparison and adjustment shall
be made.
Al, thanks…that CBA info is worth two cocktails.
BTW ESPNChicago is suggesting Niemi could get 3.75 because of Halak’s STL deal.
Do you think (a) that’s possible, and (b) if so, does Stan let Niemi walk?
He signed for four years…and he has played more games than Niemi…If I’m the arbitrator I would split the diffeence between Quick,Anderson and Halak.
$2.8 million for 2 seasons
Or maybe the Hawks stretch to $3 mill for 3 yrs…but if I’m Bowman I wouldn’t go more because I think an arb. ruling would be for less.
Part of the reason arbitration is unpredictable is because there’s not a lot of data to go on. There were only 4 players who were awarded contracts last year, and one was walked away from (Zherdev).
Halak unfortunantly isn’t a horrible comparison. Though I still don’t see him getting 3.75.
That all said, if it comes out that way, it becomes a cap decision. If Bowman has the space to grab him, he certainly will if only not to let him walk away and get something in a trade. (Was there a trade clause in arbitration like certain waiver claims – I’m actually not going to bother to look that up :)
The one thing about Bowman is he can be patient and not rush to make moves he doesnt have to. If there’s space for Niemi to sign, he’ll sign because it’s an asset he can potential move if he has to.
Let me know if you find out differently but I know of players that have been traded right after an arbitartion ruling.
The Hawks are ok imo basically because Niemi has only played in 42 NHL games…not a big sample.
Both sides probably have another month to arm wrestle with each other.
If I’m Niemi I might think twice about taking a chance on arbitration.
Al, if I remember correctly, Kyle Calder was traded by the Hawks after an arbitration ruling in his favor.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by David Olsson. David Olsson said: RT @HockeyBroad: Niemi, Hjalmarsson, Probert and Some Loose Ends (Hockey Independent) http://bit.ly/9IUdTV [...]
“The performance and salary of any player alleged to be “comparable” to the player in the dispute.”
I am no expert on salary arbitration in the NHL. I would like to think that I have a handle on arbitration in MLB. Based on my experiences with MLB, this criterion would pretty much screw Niemi. With more established players like Marty Turco and Evgeni Nabokov still looking for a job, I don’t see how Niemi could get much more than $2 million per year.
Obviously, this depends on the individual prejudices and whims of the arbitrator. Also, MLB tends to overcompensate players based on past performance, not projected future performance. The NHL arbitration process seems much more “arbitrary” to me.
If the Jaroslav Halak reports are true, then this doesn’t bode well for the Hawks. In my mind, Niemi isn’t worth the $3.75 million/year Halak allegedly received (nor is Halak).
My gut tells me that arbitration may well result in Niemi playing outside the NHL next season.
Arbitration in the NHL is trickier than baseball…no either or.
One thing that has to be realized is Halak signed for 4 years…For the last two at least he would have been a UFA….not really comparable plus he has more NHL games.
Anderson and Quick are at $1.8 ..add in the Cup win and Niemi is about $2.5 mill is my guess.
If Niemi can get a 3 yr. deal instead of arbitration he might be wise to take it..at let’s say $8.5 mill or so..
What if Niemi is only awarded a $2.3 million 2 yr. contract…which would be about a $1.4 million raise???
I think there is only one team which might pay him $3 mill or more…the Flyers.
Before the arb ruling happens the Flyers may sign someone else with more experience….for about the same $2.5-$3.0 mill.
Al, as Nabokov just signed in the KHL with SKA St Petersburg (per Twitter from ESPN, YahooSports and other sources), another experienced goaltender is off the market…maybe the longer Niemi waits, the better deal he gets.
How so…?
There won’t be another goal keeper signed for over $4 mill this summer…..now that he is out of the mix.
Al, the sky has fallen- Hammer just got a big offer sheet from the Sharks 4 yrs @ $3.5 mil per year. What do you think?
RJF>don’t know what Al’s take is, but there are other quality d-men out there, for less money and term.