DAILY RUMORS: Rumors That the Isles are interested in Niemi are Doubtful
BDGallof | Aug 06, 2010 | Comments 6
We at HockeyIndependent.com want to be your resource and filter for what is going on in the NHL. We try to disseminate the noise in the blogosphere. We don’t look to to attack those sources, but to question the veracity of the rumor with cold logic, hockey smarts and knowledge. To do that… we have partnered with the one of the best in the NHL blogosphere….Lyle Richardson of SpectorsHockey.net. Daily Rumors with Lyle Richardson will now be a regular feature on HI this summer and beyond…
As we now sit in the midst of summer’s dog days, free agent news and rumors have dragged to a crawl.
Most center upon former Blackhawks goaltender Antti Niemi and where he might end up.
The Bleacher Report’s Todd Cordell claimed he’d heard several teams might be interested in Niemi; among them, the New York Islanders.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/429699-nhl-buzz-wednesday-august-4th
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/430213-nhl-buzz-thursday-august-5th
Cordell recently claimed the Islanders “are leading the way” regarding the former Chicago netminder.
It’s difficult to believe the Isles are interested in Niemi, considering they’ve already got two goaltenders in Rick DiPietro and Dwayne Roloson locked up for next season at a combined cap hit of $7 million.
Now of course the assumption is likely being made Isles GM Garth Snow would like to add another veteran goalie, as he did last summer when he signed Martin Biron to a bargain-basement contract, in case DiPietro is sidelined again by injury.
The difference is that last year at this time DiPietro was expected to be out until at least mid-season recuperating from off-season surgeries.
This time DiPietro is expected to be in training camp ready to play and if he’s good to go he’ll be backed up by Roloson.
Bringing Niemi into the mix makes absolutely no sense for the Islanders, who by the way are now over the league’s mandated cap “floor” of $43.4 million for next season for 23 players and thus don’t have to spend any more to get over the cap if they don’t wish to.
Unless Snow knows that DiPietro is hurting again and hasn’t let any of us know it’s pointless for him to add another goaltender at this time.
Lyle Richardson
SpectorsHockey.net
twitter.com/spectorshockey
Filed Under: Chicago Blackhawks • Featured • Featured Rumors • Lyle Richardson • New York Islanders • NHL
Shouldnt it be Rolies job to lose at this point???I hope DP has to win his spot like anybody else…
Rick is skating. He feels good. This is his last shot — But Lawson is there should he be needed.
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I would be seriously surprised if the Isles signed Niemi or any other goaltender. The team supports Rick and won’t give up on him until he calls it quits himself.
Not that the Isles would admit to anything, especially looking idiotic last season, they will run with what they have. If the worst case happens, they are comfortable with Lawson and also can make a depth goaltender move pretty easy. Whether DP says he’s ok or not means nothing to me, since the reality will be feeling well and the body remaining so this season. DP made a few statements last summer and it proved to be rather worthless.
A healthy DP and Roli = playoffs.
Im not buying the Niemi rumors.