Hawks sign Turco

[snipezo]

If the Blackhawks don't like what they hear at Antti Niemi's arbitration hearing Saturday they're prepared to move swiftly in a different direction.

The Score's Steve Kouleas has learned that Chicago has arranged to sign free agent goalie Marty Turco to a one-year contract worth approximately $1.5 million. The signing of the 34-year-old will be contingent on the ruling handed down in Niemi's arbitration hearing, which is expected to take place Saturday. If the Blackhawks are not willing to pay Niemi the salary awarded through arbitration, Turco will be the new goaltender in the Windy City.

If they choose to "walk away" from the arbitrator's ruling Niemi immediately becomes an unrestricted free agent. The Blackhawks also have the option of trading Niemi following the ruling.

Niemi emerged last season and was highly effective during Chicago's run to their first Stanley Cup in nearly five decades, maintaining a 2.63 GAA throughout the playoffs in addition to a .910 save percentage while recording two shutouts.

http://www.thescore.com/home/articles/53895-walk-off

 

[playmaker7]

lol and they're trying to save money right?

Should have just brought up someone from the AHL

 

[Mooche]

lol and they're trying to save money right?

Should have just brought up someone from the AHL

Haha.

Kind of an interesting signing. Not sure about this one though.

 

[snipezo]

I'm sure this is just a back up plan if Niemi doesn't re-sign with the Hawks.

 

[Phil The Thrill]

Whats going to happen with Huet now?

 

[playmaker7]

Its been assumed that Huet is going to be sent to Rockford for a while now, assuming no one picks him up that is.