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Interest in Niittymaki
10:05
AM ETSan Jose Sharks Top EmailComments UPDATE: Evidently healthy and fit following a couple of games on conditioning assignment with the Worcester Sharks, Antero Niittymaki should start to attract some attention from around the NHL. Through two recent AHL games, Niittymaki has a .927 save percentage and 2.05 goals-against average.
During a broadcast session on Tuesday, TSN's Darren Dreger implied Niittymaki could be one of the hotter goaltending commodities available for trade ahead of the deadline.
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UPDATE: The San Jose Mercury News reports Antero Niittymaki participated in a full team practice on Wednesday for the first time since undergoing hip surgery in September. The goaltender for the San Jose Sharks plans to be able to return to game action in the next two to three weeks.
"Practice a couple weeks and see how things are at the 12-week mark," Niittymaki said in reference to his rehab schedule. "But I'm pretty confident that's when I can be 100 percent."
Trade speculation regarding Niittymaki should heat up significantly if/when the netminder is able to compete. Especially if Antti Niemi and Thomas Greiss remain fit and continue to perform well.
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While some teams are already allegedly in search of goaltending help -- the Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs etc. -- others may fall into that situation further into the season.
Looking ahead, Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com suggests the San Jose Sharks may be in position to offer up a goalie via trade -- acquiring a key player in exchange:
ESPN's Pierre LeBrun
"... One netminder that may be available later in the season is Antero Niittymaki. He is still injured and won't be back for another 3-4 weeks, but sources told ESPN.com Tuesday that teams have inquired with the Sharks to see if he'd be available. He might be given the solid play of backup Thomas Greiss ..."
It's difficult to predict who may have a need for a reliable backup in a couple of months from now. However, if healthy, Niittymaki should be easy to move by the Sharks in light of his expiring $2-million/year contract.
- Victoria M
10:05
AM ETSan Jose Sharks Top EmailComments UPDATE: Evidently healthy and fit following a couple of games on conditioning assignment with the Worcester Sharks, Antero Niittymaki should start to attract some attention from around the NHL. Through two recent AHL games, Niittymaki has a .927 save percentage and 2.05 goals-against average.
During a broadcast session on Tuesday, TSN's Darren Dreger implied Niittymaki could be one of the hotter goaltending commodities available for trade ahead of the deadline.
***
UPDATE: The San Jose Mercury News reports Antero Niittymaki participated in a full team practice on Wednesday for the first time since undergoing hip surgery in September. The goaltender for the San Jose Sharks plans to be able to return to game action in the next two to three weeks.
"Practice a couple weeks and see how things are at the 12-week mark," Niittymaki said in reference to his rehab schedule. "But I'm pretty confident that's when I can be 100 percent."
Trade speculation regarding Niittymaki should heat up significantly if/when the netminder is able to compete. Especially if Antti Niemi and Thomas Greiss remain fit and continue to perform well.
***
While some teams are already allegedly in search of goaltending help -- the Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs etc. -- others may fall into that situation further into the season.
Looking ahead, Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com suggests the San Jose Sharks may be in position to offer up a goalie via trade -- acquiring a key player in exchange:
ESPN's Pierre LeBrun
"... One netminder that may be available later in the season is Antero Niittymaki. He is still injured and won't be back for another 3-4 weeks, but sources told ESPN.com Tuesday that teams have inquired with the Sharks to see if he'd be available. He might be given the solid play of backup Thomas Greiss ..."
It's difficult to predict who may have a need for a reliable backup in a couple of months from now. However, if healthy, Niittymaki should be easy to move by the Sharks in light of his expiring $2-million/year contract.
- Victoria M
