Fantasy Impact: The San Jose Sharks have signed Antti Niemi to a one-year deal worth a reported $2 million.

The Sharks Get: a solid goaltender capable of being a No.1. The problem is - they already have one of those. This should be interesting.

Fantasy Players Impacted: Niemi just went from KHL fodder to joining one of the best teams in the league. However, he is back in a 1A/1B situation and that is death in fantasy leagues. Antero Niittymaki enjoyed his last two months, going from a goaltender who would be ranked 25th (give or take) in fantasy drafts amongst goalies, to a goaltender ranked in the top five or six... and now back to 20th (give or take). Again, the 1A/1B situation. At this point, I wouldn't be shocked to see each of them get in 42 to 45 games - no more, no less. Backup Thomas Griess just went from a situation in which he was a Niittymaki injury away from showcasing his true talent...to packing his bags. I can't see the Sharks going with three goalies, so he'll be waived, or traded, or released to a European team.

Fantasy Players this helps, in order:

1. Antti Niemi

Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:

1. Antero Niittymaki

2. Thomas Greiss

Comments (12)

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Rob said:

It's Possible, but I didn't see it in Cup the run. It is possible these guys are better than Nabokov, sure, but I'm not convinced that Niemi really proved much backstopping that Chicago team to the final. It could have just as easily been Leighton we are talking about here. Not saying Niemi or Maki aren't those guys, but I haven't seen it yet from either guy. Same with Howard... this season will reveal all I guess. As Todd says, it is all going to come down to show time next spring, then all the cards will be on the table.

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September 02, 2010
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Dobber said:

	... Stephen - i thought Niemi was gone to Europe for sure. So his value is up from zero, to the San Jose Sharks 1a. That's a huge jump.
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September 02, 2010
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Andrew said:

	Niemi Signs with Sharks Niemi will shine for the Sharks and San Jose will eliminate the Hawks in the Western Final on his back. Book it!
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September 02, 2010 | url
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Larry said:

	decent pickup for SJ Niemi was really out of options, but San Jose's defence is nothing like he was used to in Chicago.
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September 02, 2010
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GoJetsGo said:

	Hjalmarsson Offer Sheet Makes me wonder if this was San Jose's plan when they signed Hjalmarsson to the offer sheet. They knew if Chicago matched, they wouldn't likely be able to afford Niemi and then they could sign him.
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September 01, 2010
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Todd Dmitruk said:

... well i'm just glad that this happened now before i went out and tried to pick up nittymaki, but i'm loving this for the sharks, there is nothing wrong with a battle for the number one job between 2 goalies who have both proved that they can raise their level up when it most matters. loving this for the sharks and rob this is definitely better than nabby, he was good but never ever elevated his play in crunch time like both of these tenders have in the past.

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September 01, 2010
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Rob said:

	... Not sold on either goaltender in San Jose... Sharks have managed to go out and get two 1b goaltenders in my opinion. If they had grabbed Halak they would be dynasty material. Now, we sit and wait to see if either of these two guys are any better than nabokov. Personally, I doubt it. Looking good for Detroit.
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September 01, 2010
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Puckhead said:

Greiss... If I were Greiss I would be hoping someone picked me up! Obviously he isn't going to get a shot with the Sharks, or they wouldn't have picked up Niemi 2 weeks before training camp opened. He won't be in the NHL this season, but hopefully he gets the fresh start he needs, and with some luck, next year he gets his chance. What are the chances the Flyers pick him up? Leighton can't be the answer can he?

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September 01, 2010
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sentium said:

	... That's an awful simple way of looking at it. He was a restricted free agent and when that whole circus was settled, there wasn't a lot of money or many job openings out there. The situation quite obviously changed. I mean he will build value for next summer as opposed to signing a multi-year deal now, or playing in Europe, so he can sign a more lucrative multi-year deal then.
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September 01, 2010
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Stephen Kostoff said:

	... how can you build your value more than being a defending stanley cup champion??
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September 01, 2010
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sentium said:

	... Man I'd hate to be Greiss now. There's no way he gets sent down without getting claimed by someone. As an owner of Stalock I don't really think this moves matters much, since his future with the team is farther into the future than a year. I think Niemi uses this to build value for next summer when he hits the market again.
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September 01, 2010
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B.Hendy said:

	sigh I was dumb enough to overpay for the guy since i took over a team that already had Greiss...sad part is i did the deal this morning....I also own MZA so the Kennedy signing to NYR screwed me too...serves me right for wishing for more signings...careful what you wish for,right?
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September 01, 2010
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