Disappointing But No Surprise + Conference Call Remarks
Al Cimaglia | Aug 02, 2010 | Comments 116
As a Blackhawk fan I’m disappointed in the decision to walk away from Antti Niemi and sign Marty Turco. As someone who tries to convey what’s happening while using some judgment and instinct to connect the dots, this comes as no surprise.
The Hawk sign Turco for a speculated $1.75 million and save $1 million in salary cap space as Niemi becomes a UFA. The exact amount of Turco’s contract is not known but it could have been as low as in the $1.0-$1.5 million range. Chris Kuc from the Tribune reported that was the case.
Readers were prepared for this outcome.
From my blog on July 23…
I don’t believe Niemi’s contract negotiation will be settled by an arbitrator unless the Hawks have already decided to go in a different direction. There are risks for both sides in going that route, but Niemi has the most to lose.
If for some reason Hawk management is not as high on Niemi as most believe there will be an arbitration hearing involving both parties next Thursday. If that is the case Bowman has options and Turco waiting in the wings.
From my blog on August 1…
My objective opinion is Niemi will continue to improve and the Hawks should try to keep him. That said, my gut feeling is the team may still go in a different direction. Niemi was popular among his teammates and that might be the best thing going for him.
If the Hawks deal Niemi the front runner to replace him is most likely Turco. At this point if Niemi isn’t re-signed nothing should come as a shock.
Turco will probably play for the Hawks at a deep discount. Possibly he could sign here for at least one million dollars less than Niemi’s $2.75 million award.
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I do believe the players will be very disappointed by this decision. They are professionals and personnel decisions are not up to them. But it would be best for all concerned for the Hawks to have a good start to next season. That could be a lot to ask considering all of the roster changes.
Al’s Shots
Comments from Monday morning’s conference call.
Stan Bowman remarked the Hawks made a couple of offers to Niemi. He said they couldn’t work anything out and they decided to do what was best for the team. Bowman maintained there was a multi-year offer made although Niemi’s agent Bill Zito contradicts that claim.
Bowman commented Turco is hungry to win a Cup and will be a good mentor for Corey Crawford. Turco mentioned he is excited and looking forward to working toward winning the Stanley Cup.
The former Star remarked the last few seasons have been very difficult because of not making the playoffs. Turco said his health is very good and he did turn down other offers to become a Blackhawk.
Turco wouldn’t comment specifically if one of the teams bidding for his services was the Flyers. Bowman did mention that they have been interested in Turco for awhile and he appreciated his patience throughout the process.
The Hawks GM remarked the Cristobal Huet situation will now be a priority.
Bowman mentioned he spoke to Niemi at the arbitration hearing but has not spoken to him since.
Bowman concluded by commenting the team is almost set, but they still need to add a defenseman.
blackhawkswin@comcast.net
Filed Under: Al Cimaglia • Featured • Featured Rumors • NHL
Al, I have to think that Bowman and the Hawks organization are as disappointed as the players.
But according to what we have read and seen, Zito and Niemi asked for a number that wasn’t realistic; they chose the arbitration route; and they chose not to settle for less before the hearing.
So, time to move on.
I agree it’s time to move on…But Nimei not being here is because of more than salary cap restraints.
I am sticking to what I wrote…as more details come out I feel more comfortable in the statement below.
“If for some reason Hawk management is not as high on Niemi as most believe there will be an arbitration hearing involving both parties next Thursday.”
They wanted another goalie more so than anything else otherwise a middle ground could have been established.
The Hawks made their choice.
Al, it certainly appears you were correct in interpreting the view of Hawks management.
Al : do the cap numbers we are hearing for the hawks still include Huet’s plus $ 5 M or has that already been removed for discussion purposes ?
Huet’s cap number have to be removed otherwise they would have to trade another $5 mill or so…for cap discussion purposes he is not included.
Al,
John Madden is still out there, is there any chance he comes back now that we might have a little flexibility?
I doubt it…Bowman said they need to add a dman only.
I don’t think Madden will play for $750K…
Al,
I was wondering about the Hawks resigning Madden as well. Considering he is basically a penalty killer and a fourth line center (maybe a 3rd on a lesser team) can he really expect to see anything more than a 1 million a year contract from anyone? I heard only the Hawks and the Devils were interested and if the Devils eventually sign Kovalchuk, I can’t imagine them fitting Madden in for over a million a year, if that. I guess the bigger question is do the Hawks want him back, even if the price is right. I’d like to see them keep him if possible for another year.
I would like to see it and think he is worth it…but I don’t know if he will play here for less than a million…maybe he would with Devils though…or he could retire.
It was fun rooting for Niemi this season but I’m not that upset at this move.
I’d rather have Turco/Crawford and a 22 man roster over Niemi/Toivanen and possibly a 20/21 man roster or another cap shedding trade.
I know you’re not a fan of capgeek, Al, but running some of the numbers with Turcos (now reported) $1.3/year deal.. The Hawks can have Crawford up and support a 22 man roster with $660,000k of space still left for shuffling guys back and forth from Rockford.
From everything I’ve ever heard of Turco is he is a strong, well liked leader in the dressing room as well. That will be good for Crawford I think.
The signing may have had a lot to do with Crawford’s Blackhawk future.
pricey…
Just to be clear..Cap Geek is a great sight.
I choose not to write on definite cap space numbers unless I am positive..with bonuse and credits..one way-two ways it is a above my pay grade.
Chip does a great job and is very accurate..more so than any other site.
Yah, I probably shouldn’t have worded it like that. I know exactly where you’re coming from.
I like playing alittle arm-chair GM every now and then lol
It will be interesting to see where he ends up and for how much. He is a weird case without a long history, or even a full season, but has shown some great abilities at time.
This move is in line with dumping the other $3MM big raise players as has been discussed here before.
Not really juiced about Turco given his last two seasons and injuries, but I think the Hawks secretly hope Crawford takes over the #1 job.
Hey Al – thanks for all your great work during this whole episode.
I’m disappointed as well but as you and others have said time to move on. But first this final comment.
Your remarks about the Hawks POV re: Niemi might suggest that they think the NHL will figure him out soon enough and given his very short resume that may may be true. We’ll see on that front but there is no denying his character and that means he’ll probably find a way to readjust if shooters adjust to him.
Moving on: now that Turco is here and if it’s 1.3 that’s amazing, I’m excited to see which of the new guys makes an impact. There will be room one would think if Leddy, Lalonde, Vishnevskiy or even Beach shows really well in training camp.
Under the category of false optimism there is a chance Neimi could sign back with Chi next year as a UFA. I think Zito overplayed his hand and might be more realistic next year.
I doubt that any other GM will be careless enough to offer Niemi less than %80.0 of his arbitration award, but there is still an icicle’s chance in Sunrise of getting Niemi. This would almost require a little “backroom bargaining,” if you catch my drift.
I think there is a better chance of an icicle surviving in hell.
@General Sosabowski> General, you’re not suggesting ‘side deals’ are done in the National Hockey League…are you?
;-)
A certain former goalie named Garth Snow may find he has a taste for Finlandia on the rocks.
Dave> Between DiPietro and Roloson why would the Isles be interested in another expensive goalie?
I think Zito overplayed his hand and Niemi will likely regret what’s transpired.
Rob>RDP has no timetable to return, Rollie’s getting on, and Antti’s a Cup winning goalie at less than $3mil.
As opposed to say, Luongo.
Garth Snow has the motive and the means.
Dave> I didn’t realize DiPietro was on the shelf yet again. Nuff said.
Rob, wouldn’t be surprised if Bowman had been trying to work a deal with Snow.
BTW, DiPietro keeps trying to come back and keeps re-injuring himself. Roloson’s got one year left on his contract.
So a win-win either way…getting Niemi could help the Isles towards the playoffs, and get Antti a good deal with some decent term.
By signing Turco, I think the Hawks are out of the market for a goalie, including a sub-$2.2M Antii Niemi.
We’ll see what the market will bear. I wonder if he gets $2M per year, 80% rule notwithstanding.
I’m liking this more and more, especially with what I heard this weekend. And if the deal is really that cheap… wow. There’s gotta be a bonus incentive built in, right?
Whether there is or not, way to go Marty!! I hope he or his agent is savvy enough to score a couple of modest endorsement deals.
I like Antii. He seems like a terrific kid. I think Zito overplayed his hand. This may end up hurting him as much as, or more than, Niemi.
HFD, Zito said he got calls from four teams after the Hawks’ decision. Antti will probably get hired before too long.
Dave, for Niemi’s sake, I hope that is true. Zito also made it clear that his client wished to remain a Blackhawk, and then it appears he played hardball with management.
I wish somebody could get an interview with Antii. I’d love to hear what he has to say.
Do you really think the market will bear his $2.75M salary? For instance, doesn’t Snow have other, more attractive options at a comparable price?
HFD> Snow, among other GMs, won’t find another Stanley Cup-winning goalie at 2.75 million per year.
And that’s enough, Dave? The netminder got a pretty hefty raise on a rather short resume. I’d still think twice. Wouldn’t you?
[...] anything from the Antti Niemi fiasco, it’s that it can be the other way around too. Niemi rejecting a multi-year deal prior to arbitration forced Stan Bowman’s hand, made such a process a reality and probably pissed off the Hawks [...]
Marty Turco, happy to be a Hawk…from the Daily Herald: “It’s been almost a dream come true to play for an Original Six team, especially one with the number of Tony Esposito, who’s from my hometown, up in the rafters. It’s an amazing day for my family and me to become a Blackhawk.”
Ah how things have changes. Not so long ago we had 12.3 mil per locked up for 2 goalies. Now we are looking at 2.5 per for 2. We have definitely hit the 2 extremes..
A lot like so many things…one extreme to another.
HFD> it’s tough to read the minds of hockey execs…but a Cup winning goaltender is on the market, and as Adam Jahns of the Chicago SunTimes explained today, they don’t HAVE to pay him 2.75 million.
Dave, I guess that’s the point I was trying to make. Zito may have “won” a $2.75M arbitration award for his client, but more importantly, may eventually lose a TON of credibility if the contract Niemi signs ends up being in the low two million dollar range.
My hunch is that Niemi was quite comfortable remaining in Chicago, and Zito would have been better served compromising for the sake of his client.
With respect to the Blackhawks, this situation may end up playing out much more favorably than had they re-signed Niemi. Two capable goalies on the roster, presumably, for less than the $2.75M arbitration award… this provides a great deal more cap flexibility than if they had signed Niemi, even for a low-ball $2.0M.
Separating the two issues… Blackhawks strategy in this situation vs. Niemi and Zito compromising for a number that would have made sense for the Blackhawks… Zito may ultimately look like the bad guy.
Despite the rantings of several thousand Hawks fans today.
And I repeat, I’d LOVE to hear an interview with Niemi!
I don’t really buy any of the arguments that Niemi was screwed over by his agent or that his apparent life long dream was to play for the Hawks.
Niemie isn’t 22 or 23, he’ll be 27 at the start of the season. Still young, sure, but on the other hand his value might never be higher now. Especially if he can’t repeat his quality behind a less quality defense of over 65+ games.
You can’t maximize your contract at your peak when the Hawks can hold you hostage for a $910k offer.
“Especially if he can’t repeat his quality behind a less quality defense of over 65+ games.”
If we know that, shruew, GM’s are thinking the same thing. I’m no agent, but with the soft goalie market and Niemi’s limited resume, I’m taking what the Blackhawks are offering me (or close to it… try to get them to sweeten the deal however possible) and stay with a team that has a shut-down defense.
That would have set him up for a larger payday after he proves his worth long-term, give him some short-term security, and keep him where he expressly wanted to stay.
The Hawks made their choice and it isn’t as simple to say the Niemi camp overplayed their hand…
He will have a problem getting $2.75 or more now unless he signs a multi yr. deal…thye understood the same.
From a biz standpoint no team is going to pay more than or as much as $2.75 unless it is on a longer term deal.
Which would also put Niemi in a tough choice situation…he is a UFA now and will be going forward.
I hear what you’re saying Al but don’t you think if Zito had been willing to sign a 1 year for 2 – 2.25 the Hawks would have taken it.
If that turns out to be Niemi’s 10-11 salary Zito certainly looks like he overplayed his hand with Chi.
OR if he signs for multi years for something around 2.67.
We all speculated that Niemi would have this problem if he went to arbitration but Zito saw it differently I guess. We’ll see what and where Niemi ends up – I gotta think he’s wondering what just happened.
LVC…No
After the Hammer offer sheet the money was lower is my guess and what I heard…At this point the difference between $2.2 or $2.0 and $1.3 is huge for Bowman.
So does that mean BEFORE the offer to Hammer the Niemi could have signed for 2 -2.2? That makes sense.
Al, not only the monetary difference. The quality of the goalie they signed is huge. And you’re right, the difference in $$ is huge with the team’s tight cap space.
Do your sources tell you the multi-year deal was offered before Hammer signed the offer sheet? That makes perfect sense.
What I heard is there was very little negotiating period…none really in days before arbitration, not sure if any happened that day.
Also there wasn’t a multi yr. offer ever…according to Zito.
Yeah, heard that. And Bowman said there was. Who’s more trustworthy?
My take was that Bowman “discussed” a multi-year deal but never made a formal “offer” — so it’s more semantics.
According to other posters Stan said on radio today that Hendry will be signed and they will sign another D man.
Do you think that’s true (about another d) and if so any ideas who they might sign?
LVC> I am Al has his own view on this, my scan of the d-men out there shows Jay McKee as a possible. Good shot blocker, experienced 6/7 guy who can play on top pair. $800K last year with PIT.
Ole-Kristian Tollefson maybe…nasty, played w/ Team Norway at Olympics.
Aaron Johnson, of all people, is available. Maybe they bring him back. Versatile, tough.
Thanks Dave – I wonder if someone who is priced a bit higher say Andreas Lilja might take a pay cut to 800K to play for the Hawks. That would be nice.
LVC>Lilja is an interesting possibility, if he hasn’t already cut a new deal with DET. Also Lilja has major concussion history.
IMO Aaron Johnson might be better value because he knows Q’s system…young, fast skater for such a big guy, hard nosed, can take turns on D and forward. “Plays in all situations” as Quenneville would say. $500K probably.
McKee essentially replaces Sopel.
As for Niemi, I think Lightning, Panthers, Avs seem to make the most sense. Maybe the Islanders and Thrashers as well.
I saw an ESPN rumor yesterday that Peter Forsberg is considering giving the NHL another shot. I wonder how much he has left and whether he’d be willing to play for peanuts to get a chance at another Cup.
What role would the Hawks even want Forsberg for? It’s not like the Hawks are lacking in on-ice leadership or “veteran presence.”
Nothing wrong with a little more — and adding a little extra talent on the margins couldn’t hurt (if he still has it), especially after all the bloodletting. But given Al’s comment below, it’s not realistic anyway. Also, after I first posted, I saw another report that possibly eight teams could be interested in him, so … never mind.
I’d rather have Chelios than Forsberg, and that’s probably even more unrealistic.
Jk…The Hawks made a really big pitch for him a few years ago when he came back to NHL… I am about 95% sure it really happened.
He never has played for just peanuts and…the Hawks have only a small amount of space and still need another dman.
Al, what are your thoughts on possible additions on D?
I had mentioned Jay McKee, Aaron Johnson, and Ole-Kristian Tollefson as possibles…probably all available for $500-800K.
Reasons are described by me in above comments. McKee seems most logical.
Thanks…
Mike Mottau?
Brendan Witt on a 35+ one year comeback contract since he already gets money from the buy-out? (I know, I hate it when people post proposals like that too).
Mckee seems like a good option although Johnson would be less expensive.
Who best fits Quenneville’s defensive style? Johnson knows the system, but is he a better fit than McKee or Tollefsen? Or Witt?
HFD> Al will know more about Johnson as he’s seen him play live and I’ve only seen him on televised games…but my reading on Aaron’s situation was that he was simply a victim of the numbers game in CHI.
Q seemed to like his play and used him in a variety of roles: AJ was a plus 19 in 38 games during the 08-09 campaign. Aaron is a big, solid guy (6’1″, 211) who is a very strong skater and he can be effectively physical. In other words, a useful depth player (as his scouting report states). At 27, he’s young enough, but should be mature enough to be a fit. At $540K last year, value priced.
McKee brings a different skill set, more in the Sopel mode. Also older (32), so potential for injury might be a factor. McKee seems to be getting hurt more and more often, and may be showing the wear and tear of 14 hard seasons.
Tollefson is large and mean, but the Hawks may have that base covered with John Scott.
To shreuw’s point, Mottau is IMO maybe too small (6′/190) and a little old (32), but a smart d-man nonetheless. At $775K last year, I don’t see him in CHI…but maybe Bowman sees things differently.
There are others out there as well…it will interesting to see who the Hawks might bring in, if anyone.
I thought it was Aaron Johnson’s agent that made the original stink about the late free agent tenders last year. If so I don’t think you’ll ever see him in a Blackhawks jersey again.
His agent is in the press a lot…but I don’t know if Walsh had anything to do with specific criticism.
The NHL and NHLPA would be the one to raise the issue at some point..documents need to be filed correctly and by a specific date.
I liked Johnson..he can skate and isn’t afraid to handle the puck.
He could be more physical.. although he plays rougher than Hendry but can’t skate as well.
Johnson had a decent shot too.
I think he is still represented by Havlat’s agent Allan Walsh…if that matters.
Regardless he should come at a reasonable price.
Al : What about Jordan Hendry ? Is he still a possibility , Al ? recently, when Bickell was signed, Bowman said Hendry would be back. Has that changed ?
KC,
Bowman said today or yesterday Hendry would be back..So the only defender gone from last year is Sopel.
That’s what was said Chgo sports radio by Bowman.
Please eliminate the Gravatar from my emails . thx
Sorry…Don’t follow….
Al, Scotty Bowman was on PrimeTimeSports radio in Toronto yesterday…and he pointed out, much to the consternation of the hosts, that the Niemi decision was strictly dollars and cents, and that the cap puts all winning teams in the same position.
You have to spend to the limit to win, according to Scotty, and when you win, you have to have the assets in place in order to survive the inevitable turnover.
Insofar as contracts like Campbell’s are concerned, Bowman was frank. “Sure, Brian Campbell’s really a 4 ot 5 million dollar player. But the way the market is, you have to pay what is essentially an ‘acquistion fee’ to get a guy like that. And Campbell showed he was a very important part of the Hawks winning the Cup.”
The silence on the part of the hosts, two of the more loquacious commentators in the Mainstream Hockey Media, was telling.
The Blackhawks did what they had to do, and they are Champions. Now Stan Bowman’s doing what he has to do.
And as Scotty pointed out, “It’s up to fellows like Bickell and Skille to prove they can do the job.”
Likewise for Marty Turco…and at less than half the price of Antti, is that such a bad thing?
Thanks for that Dave…
As we talked about more than once…Campbell and Huet are bad contracts…
But would the Hawks have won the Cup without them?
I couldn’t say they would be Champs now without either one.
The Hawks would not have scored as many goals during the regualr season without Campbell. Overpaid yes…but he is no Wade Redden…Campbell can play consisitently at a high level.
I know Huet didn’t play in the playoffs but he had a vg year until the last 6 weeks or so.
yeah thanks Dave- Scotty rules!
There was a time when he was out of hockey for a year or so – between Pit and Det I think and he was a the best colour analyst ever on the TV broadcasts.
I’ve loved his insights on the game forever. I choose to believe him on Niemi which means maybe he’s back one day – who knows?
Also like his comments on Soupy – I’ve been in his corner since he signed with the Hawks. We know he’s over paid (acquisition fee is a great term) but get over it already (if anybody still doubts Campbell’s worth) he’s very valuable. I’m delighted to hear Scotty say the same.
Gents,
Jordan Hendry was at the Blackhawks convention. Players volunteer to show up. They cannot be paid to be there, per the NHLPA. At least that was what the management team stated on Saturday morning.
I wondered if he was still unsigned, and why he chose to be there if he wasn’t signed. But then I heard Bowman’s comments about his deal being just about done.
I agree that Campbell’s contract is bad. However, the annual $$ is pretty comparable to some other equally talented players. I’m not speaking here about the length of the deal. Hopefully, he remains the same offensive force through the end of the deal.
But his presence in the lineup makes a huge difference.
Scotty’s comments make a whole lot of sense. His words echo those of the entire management team at the convention.
According to capgeek Hendry has been signed for 600K. They do seem to get the low down on contracts before others do.
If it’s true (and I believe it) it’s what we all expected…so one more d man to sign then let the competition for available roster spots amongst the young guys begin.
It should be good between the likes of Vishnevskiy, Lalonde, Beach, Makarov, Kruger, Brophey, maybe even Leddy. If Stalberg and even one of these guys makes an impact this year that’ll be very good.
The Hawks can probably position themselves to pick someone up at the trade deadline to give us a not unrealistic shot at defending. Then the following year and beyond look out. It’s still a great time to be a Hawks fan despite the revamp. I’m excited!
I think Lalonde and Leddy may both out in Rockford if I were to guess today..
A few more months of a solid strength program won’t hurt them.
Beach may need a few months in Rockford to make sure he has his head straight… not sure if his signing bonus will help make the decison easier to leave him in Rockford all year.
THe $600k for Hendry seems spot on…
Of all you listed beside Stalberg..who will have to play himself out of a job..
It might come down to one or two from the trio of Vishnevsky, Makarov and maybe Kruger.
Al, the good news is that with the cap flexibility (albeit not a huge amount) the Hawks now have following Stan’s cost adjustments, the prospects can get to spend time both in Chicago and Rockford.
I expect Q will continue to experiment with combinations and pairings throughout the season.
The presumed Turco-Crawford tandem also promises to be interesting…who knows, Chicago might just have stronger goaltending than last year, for a fraction of the cost.
No doubt there is at least a little flexibilty now…although bonuses might still be a problem to deal with…
PS ESPNChicago says MIN and John Madden are discussing a deal…not surprising, if indeed accurate.
Wild now confirm Madden signed for 1 year:
http://wild.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=535652
I thought Maddem would end up out East… but at this point he can’t be too choosey.
I wonder if the Hawks have cap space for Arron Asham….??
Maybe Mrs. Madden is still holding him accountable for last season’s Vancouver foibles and has exiled him to North American Siberia…
Al (and Dave), would you really rather have Asham instead of Johnson?
yes
HFD>I endorse Mr Cimaglia’s message.
If there is a way to bring in experienced role players management should be looking in that direction. At least to add one…
The amount of NHL experience which has been shipped out, seemingly to be replaced by recent IceHogs is a point of concern.
Once again available cap space will predicate the signings to come.
What an odd off season. $3.25MM for Teemu?
Too much or too little?
Not too many injury prone 40 year old hockey players actually get a raise.
I didn’t realize that was a raise…but considering his legacy there not surprised.
If he can play 70 games he will put up some numbers.
His injuries are the concern…48 points in 54 games isn’t shabby.
Logically, there were more realistic options. Emotionally, which is what marketing is, this move should pay dividends for Anaheim in ticket and merchandise sales, unless he gets hurt early on.
It’s official, the Hawks re-sign Jordan Hendry to a one year contract.
Al,
Good news about Hendry.
Re: previous comment
I also think Asham would be a nice addition.
However, I was thinking that Eric Belanger might fit if he comes at the right price.
Anyway, seems like the Hawks are done and happy to have a little flexibility in order to orchestrate the Rockford Shuttle this year. Is that your sense of it as well?
I think 1.8m for 1 or 2 would sound pretty good to Antti right now. Zito bungled this pretty good IMO.
Somebody might bail him out; but he way misread Niemi’s value and the rest of the league’s opinion of his client.
Hey hn,
I will have a wrap up on the Niemi saga sooner than later.
It was the perfect storm in reverse for the Niemi camp.
From what I heard Zito had a choice…sign for much less than $2 mill or not.
I don’t believe for a second Niemi had any offers over $2 mill in the days before arbitration..unless it happened the day of the hearing…and I doubt that also.
I can’t be believe Zito would have been asking for anything close to $ 3 mill in the days before…He knew the options which were out there…
Hendry is a very good signing, well worth the money.
I’m with hockeynut on Zito. Big-time misread of the Blackhawks’ cap situation and the market in general.
And I’m with you, Al, on the Hendry signing. Solid third-pair defenseman; can play forward in a pinch. He will be better this year, and still hungry. Not without growing pains, but he’ll be better.
HFD,
Question for you and Nut…
If you were Zito and the best offer that came from the Hawks was $1.6 million let’s say…
Would you have taken that offer?
Al, that’s a pretty darn good question.
Al : Now that hendry is signed , do ou think the hawks will sign another Dman or forward ?
If so, who do you think it might be ? Could be ?
Thanks. I enjoy your blog a lot .
I think they may still try to sign Boynton…actually he may have already signed but it’s not official.
They could also use some experience at the forward position.
Al,
Excellent question. Hindsight is 20/20 and this has not fully played out yet.
If that was the best deal that he thought his client could get then, yes, he should of suggested strongly that Niemi sign.
If he didn’t know then he should have.
I am assuming that Zito has contacts throughout the league and media that could give him a sense of the market and what would be available.
Also, if the Hawks did offer 1.6 for 1 it would be pretty clear that they intended to walk unless the ruling came in heavily slanted in their favor.
Zito really should have known that it was very likely the Hawks would walk and leave him to shop Antti around the league in bad market for Goaltenders
He also should know that the rest of the league considered Niemi to be an aberration possibly. The body of work is just not big enough.
Tough call for the Niemi camp for sure, but the signs were there that this was not going to go well for them.
Who knows? Maybe Huet and Niemi will play in Europe next season
Al. Any ideas on who an expereinced forward that is affordable ( Blackhawk sffordable ) might be ? Have you heard anything in that regard ?
@KCHawk> Al mentioned Arron Asham earlier on this thread…I agreed with his view that Asham would be good value.
Wow, it’s like we’re channelling each other, hockeynut!
Before the arbitration hearing, I was concerned for Niemi when considering the list of available goalies. We were on vacation way up north in Wisconsin and our most reliable link with the world was NHL Home Ice on XM. The main focus of the family conversation, sitting in the parking lot getting ready to play in the chilly rapids of the Peshtigo River, was San Jose’s offer sheet to Hammer. We worried about Antii then.
Antii expressed a desire to play in Chicago. If a dope like me can figure out that the Hawks are dealing with extremely limited cap space, a guy that makes his living negotiating in the best interests of his client should not only understand (1) his client’s wishes, (2) what his client’s options are, (3) the marketplace, and (4) the financial limitations of the teams his client wishes to play for or that may want to bid for his client’s services.
It’s been reported that the Blackhawks low-balled the arbitration proposal and Zito asked for $4 million, a totally unrealistic salary demand given his client’s limited NHL history AND the marketplace. Any award above $2 million was likely to prevent the Blackhawks from re-signing Niemi. Thus, his client was going to look for a new home, a result Niemi did not want (reportedly). An award closer to $4 million was going to depress his marketability, given the glut of goalies with a better track record(*) and the limited number of teams that could afford him.
(*)-albeit not a Stanley Cup, but GM’s know the quality of the defense that surrounded him.
A salary of $1.6 million would have virtually doubled his salary from last year, given him a year to maximize his value going into UFAgency, and allowed him to stay where he was presumably comfortable, with a team he liked, and helped him get more comfortable with this country.
This is why I have said time and again I’d love somebody to attempt to score an interview with Niemi. It would shed more light on the subject.
If Zito was not bullsh—ing in all of his pre-arbitration interviews, he should have been more cognizant of the factors I mention, and more willing to get a deal done. Or he should have had an iron-clad Plan B.
The longer this goes, the worse it looks for Zito. In my humble opinion, anyway.
Maybe a deal will be announced where Antii gets close to the arbitration award, after the dust settles with other FA signings, and then I’ll have to eat crow. Scanning the teams who have the cap space and the need, I just don’t think that’s going to happen.
But like I intimated earlier, I’m just a dopey fan playing armchair GM and armchair agent.
My views on what was reasonable have been discussed enough…but it is fair to say a Cup winning goalie would have gotten at least a Jonathan Quick $1.8 million contract…But the Hawks weren’t as interested in keeping him as we all believed to start.
Zito had his way in the past with the Hawks…and he didn’t didn’t do too bad for Tim Thomas.
If there wasn’t an offer sheet to Hammer maybe Nimei would still be here…maybe… as long Niemi’s price was right.
I was in the minority… most seemed to believe Niemi would get close to $3 mill or more…maybe he believed the same.
As far as interviews go..he probably is better off saying nothing…which he will probably do.
The market is not good for him now…but he could come back next year and still get a fat contract.
All is quiet ….no idea who might be on Bowman’s radar.