Antti Niemi to Sign with San Jose Sharks?

Sportsnet is reporting on Wednesday afternoon that goalie Antti Niemi could sign with the San Jose Sharks as soon as Friday, according to a source.

Sportsnet also cites a $2M base salary amount, which is $750,000 less than an arbitrator awarded the netminder after winning the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in June.

On July 1, the Sharks signed veteran goalie Antero Niittymaki to a two-year contract worth $4M to be their starting goaltender. They also have young German prospect Tomas Greiss matriculating through their system.

Adding Niemi would not only give the Sharks quality depth between the pipes, but also a significant financial investment at one position. However, with an aging lineup and in the final year of veteran Joe Thornton's contract, the Sharks appear to be in a win now mindset.

Niemi and Chicago eliminated the Sharks in four games from the Western Conference Finals.

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