SUNRISE -- The Dallas Stars have acquired goalie Antti Niemi from the San Jose Sharks. As Niemi is a pending unrestricted free agent, the return was limited to a seventh-round pick (193rd overall) in today’s draft.
The Stars now hold Niemi’s negotiating rights until June 30.
Dallas was expected to address its goaltending this offseason. The position was a major issue for the Stars last season -- perhaps the number-one reason they missed the playoffs.
In Niemi, they get a former Stanley Cup winner and Vezina finalist.
“Antti is a proven goaltender who has played and succeeded at the highest levels,” GM Jim Nill said in a release. “He’s one of the hardest working goalies out there and we look forward to working towards an agreement.”
If Niemi signs, he’ll presumably form a tandem with fellow Finn Kari Lehtonen, who still has three years left on his contract.
Am told the Stars are already working on a contract for Antti Niemi although not done yet...
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 27, 2015
Related: UFA of the Day: Antti Niemi
