Veteran goaltender Marty Turco has accepted a one-year contract with the Hawks. (MCT)
By Chris Kuc
The Blackhawks have decided to walk away from the arbitration award for goaltender Antti Niemi, making him an unrestricted free agent, and have signed Dallas Stars veteran Marty Turco to a one-year contract.
The Blackhawks "exhausted all options" with Niemi, general manager Stan Bowman said Monday, but given their salary-cap constraints, didn't feel they could take on the $2.75 million deal that Niemi received from an arbitrator.
"It's an amazing day for my family and me to become a Blackhawk," Turco, a three-time All-Star, said.
"My world revolves around stopping pucks and giving my teammates the best opportunity to win on a nightly basis. It's been almost a dream come true to play for an Original Six team. Before the playoffs ever started last year this was a team I looked at, knowing I'd be a free agent, as a place I wanted to go."
Terms of Turco's deal aren't yet known, but his agent, Kurt Overhardt, said it is for somewhere between $1 million-$1.5 million. That is significantly lower than what Niemi was awarded Saturday and gives the Hawks some salary-cap relief.
"(Turco's) a guy who's made a lot of money in his career," Overhardt said. "He was the highest-paid goalie at one point other than (Nikolai) Khabibulin. We kind of set the market last time around. Now the priority is winning and being with a winning organization. Our priority ... was to put him with a club where he had a chance to play a role to win the Stanley Cup."
Turco had a record of 22-20-11 last season with a 2.72 goals-against average, four shutouts and a .913 saves percentage. Niemi was 26-7-4 with a 2.25 GAA, seven shutouts and a .912 saves percentage.
According to statistics provided by the Blackhawks, Turco had a better even-strength save percentage last season (.926 to .914) and had a .900-plus save percentage in 34-of-53 games (64 percent), compared to Niemi's 20-of-37 games (54 percent).
For those who are saying that niemi shouldn't be asking for more money, please go read about national hockey league careers.
the average career in the NHL is like what...? 3-5 years. These players are trying to make enough money to support themselves and their families for the rest of there lives. The majority aren't going to land hockey analyst jobs on pre-game shows after their career is over, like mark messier and kenny daneko.
Turco wanting to win the cup is why he was patiently waiting for the Hawks to sign him and yes Turco will do well with Hawks defense. Good luck Niemi you will be missed. Another year for Hawks to win the cup!
You can't blame Tallon for this. His team won the Cup. Any organization that wants to make a run for the Cup is going to have to press the Cap. No way around it. Having sad that, you also know you are going to have to shed players. Bowman/McDonough didn't have to shed 8 players, but wanted to in order to get rid of the past and create their OWN winning team. They didn't anticipate SJ coming in and making an offer to Hammer, which put them in a bit of a pickle. Stop whining. You all think Bowman is a genius and he's calling the shots, and you all think McDonough is the second coming, and he's REALLY calling the shots. Chicago has a Cup after 49 years, and you have a pair of geniuses. Be happy...
Say it isn't so Antti!
"Crackhawks" "Turdco"...are you in grade school?
I love all these Dallas fans chiming in that sat there and watched Turco get shelled for the last 2 seasons with a bunch of no names in front of him. The same goalie that outplayed San Jose in 7 full overtimes to win that series...is this the guy your slamming?
The position is a little tougher than anyone who has not strapped the pillows on knows. So go back to your crappy downtown Dallas which shuts down at 6pm or go put the mask on and see how "easy" it is.
For the record.......Bryan Campbell does not quarterback the Hawks powerplay....second unit at best, his offensive numbers are mediocre...and he could not check his coat and watch how often he bails on the dump ins...the Hawks would have unloaded him for a bucket of pucks but alas no takers.
That said, you gotta dance with the girl that brung ya and while some less than popular decisions had to be taken this year (i.m.o. we'll miss Versteeg and Ladd a lot more than we will Niemi and perhaps Buff) Stan's done a great job making the best of a difficult situation.
Crackhawks are counting on Turdco????? HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA!!! Condolences from Dallas!!!!!
I think some of you "Experts" need to take a step back and realize that many of these fans are speaking from the heart, and are amazed at how this team has(literally) been transformed to a shell of itself in a matter of weeks from hoisting the Stanley Cup.
Things like "cap-space", and "arbitration" are foreign to them. All they see are their "favorites" leaving the team in droves.
I have to admit, I (too)was upset at the gutting of this team as well, but the realities of the hard cap, and need to keep/pay their core players is a bit much to swallow. But all this rallying around bowman like he is a "God" is a little much(IMO).
Can a 35 year old Goalie hold up? Can Seebs and Keith "HOLD-UP" playing 30-minutes a game ALL SEASON? Who's gonna have Kane and Toews back when teams "Target" them game in and game out? Who is gonna be the back-up Goalie? Can Harml's and Campbell stay healthy? Will Hossa disappear like he was known to do last year?
I never had any doubts about last year's team. Now I go into this season thinking this team is 1- and done. And we will be "lamenting" the summer of 2010.
Vancouver didn't regress. San Jose didn't regress. Detroit is Detroit. the path to the Stanley cup got much harder next season. And before everybody lay all this on Tallon, little Bowman was around when some of those contracts were doled out and, I'm sure Tallon didn't have "TOTAL CONTROL" over the spending, w/o any oversight by SOMEONE in the organization.
I also think Niemi got some real bad advice and over-played his cards. The Bowman's KNEW they weren't gonna sign Niemi- POINT BLANK. They used the arbitration, as a convenient excuse to jettison him, unless he came cheap. Niemi might get the money, but is it always about the cash? SORRY- I'm not buying a 35 year old goalie, who;s on the downside of his career.
I've been a Hawks since the time of the "MPH" line, from Doug Jarrett to Lou Angotti. From Ken Yaremchuck to Murray Bannerman. from Whitey Stapleton to Keith Magnuson. From Bill White to Doug Wilson. From Steve Larmer to Tony Amonte. From Tom Lysiak to Denis Savard. From Chris Chelios to Keith Brown. From Al Secord to Bob Probert. From Tony Mckegney to Dirk Graham to Big Buff. From Kane to Toews.
I've seen a lot of Blackhawk hockey in my lifetime. And instead of rejoicing over a tremendous season and savoring it, I'm left to wonder and ponder- what if?
So to all you "mouth breathers" who can't understand the rational of(some of these) "emotional" Hawk fans, understand this- We may not get here again. You might be looking at The "1997"- Bulls re-visited, where the team takes/makes profits the next 5-7 years, while the promise of greatness is always there, just out of reach. Rocky and family has every right to take these profits.
It was a fun ride folks
*with Foley.
Tallon should have kept his happy "butt" in the broadcast booth Foley where it belonged.
Tallon and Bowman are both to blame. Tallon gave the big contracts, now Bowman has to trade all these players because of the salary cap. No other teams will take on these big contracts Campbell, Huet and others have. Kind of like Obama having to clean up Bush's mess.
Remember, Kyle Beach will probably make the roster, and they have to have salary cap room to fit him in. Shawn LaLonde may even make the team, and they need cap room for him too. The Scotty Bowman teams revolve around puck possession and defense, not great goaltending. Keep the puck in the other end, and you win big with above-average goaltending. Stop crying about losing Niemi. He's above average...not a future Hall of Famer. Turco fits into the Scotty Bowman scheme of hockey.
Would the idiot who blamed Bowman and praised Tallon just go away, you are an idiot!
FIRST OF ALL LETS BE GRATEFUL WE WON THE CUP!! The financial issues this summer are Talons fault not Bowmans, thats why Talon was fired...I appreciate all he did to build us a Cup winner, but anyone who doesnwzg36ft understand that this is 100% his fault, just doest get it.
Introducing your 2010 Rockford IceHogs goaltenders: Marty Turco and Christobal Huet.
Turko is the real deal. The last couple of years he carried a pretty bad team with the Stars. As a Hawks fan relocated to Dallas, I saw many times where he was just under seige. He is a quality goaltender and teammate. All of those moaning about this now will be singing a different tune later this year.
Bring back Eddie the Eagle. Hawks fans loved him and he always played hard.
Been a Hawk fan since I was a kid lovin Stas and the Scooters.
The Hawks are trading away another shot at the Cup.
Watch San Jose scoop up Niemei and make it to the Cup finals for the first time. Ya heard it here first!
Bowman is an idiot.
The stupidest thing is blaming Niemi cause he wants to get paid. Towes, Kane and Keith all got paid last season, so why shouldn't Niemi.
The Hawks went all in for the Cup and rightfully so. They had to let go a lot of the guys and it really hurts to see Niemi let go, but you know what? It really feels a lot better wearing a championship hat. Sorry folks, winning costs. The Hawks will compete next year, but winning it all will be very difficult. They took a huge step backwards. But how can you really be mad, especially you Cubs fans.
Turdco with 51 losses and 22 losses in OT or shootout the last 2 years! I guess we better hope we don't have any overtime games this year huh!
Hawks got a real winner in net for them now! Garbage signing!!
Niemi isn't stupid, he's learning that money always comes first before your team and teammates. Isn't that true with all major sports? Certainly is true with baseball.
Can't blame Niemi one bit, he helped win a Stanley Cup now he wants a raise, he's learning American ways playing for an American team, wanting a bigger piece of the pie.
With a good defense in front of him, Turco should do just fine. Shuffling like this is the way it goes, in the modern-era NHL.
You bandwagon-hopping newcomers need to get used to this.
Not to worry - just like the Bull's Krause/Reinsdorf fiasco , it's not the players who win championships; it's the management !! For not making any more trades, this one reeks of outright cheapness.
dale tallon made it stan bowman killed it i guess once every 49 years was plenty for the hawks. wow why did we get rid of tallon again?
Niemi asks to be paid and the Blackhawks say NO! to Niemi
Can Tretiak still play? I think we're going to need him.
Niemi will probably be signed by the "Chicago Blackhawks South" I mean the Atlanta Thrashers.
Folks, this is not the dismantling of the '97 Marlins. Campbell's signing was not a mistake, as it enabled us to win the Cup. Niemi could have been signed, but there would be no wiggle room during the season and we still have to deal with Seabrook next summer.
If you get mad at Bowman, it should be for being blindsided by the Hjalmar offersheet.
It'll be interesting to see where Niemi ends up. Philly has already said no. He's 27, only four teams have questions in goal (SJ, Atl, NYI, maybe Mtl if Price holds out) and I doubt he gets the Halak-like deal he was after (and I think the Blues will suffer under). I'll always cheer him and thank him for being part of a special year, but I seriously doubt he gets as cozy a situation as he would have had here.
Reaper I'll take a compliment where ever I can get one !
Niemi was a very popular player. It's understandable that a lot of people would be upset about him leaving. I'm a huge believer in goaltending. I just don't think you can win without it. People want to downgrade Niemi because of the Hawks talent. NHL history is filled with super talented teams that did not win because of poor goaltending.
Niemi played extremely well all year. He literally dragged the job away from Huet. In the playoffs, he was great when it mattered, which is the sign of a clutch goaltender. Such players are rare and Turco is a perfect example. A great talent (in his day) who rarely performed at his best in the post season. And he's on the down side of his career.
The Hawks have built a brilliant young team and some guys had to go. I just can't get past that they overpaid $2.0 Million or more for Campbell and are paying for it now. I truly believe they will regret letting Niemi go.
Watch Philadelphia signs Niemi. Hawks and Flyers meet again in the Stanley Cup Finals and the Flyers win with Niemi in the opposing goal how ironic would that be.
Turco had a record of 22-20-11 last season with a 2.72 goals-against average, four shutouts and a .913 saves percentage. Niemi was 26-7-4 with a 2.25 GAA, seven shutouts and a .912 saves percentage.
Yeah, judging by last season's records. Turco 22-20-11 and Niemi 26-7-4 the Blackhawks got rid of a bad goalie and signed a better one give me a freaking break.
Yeah the Blackhawks are NOT cheap, they waste millions on whatever piece of crap player comes their way i.e. Campbell and Huet. Big money to garbage players where have I heard this before, oh yeah, that North Side baseball team.
Habe35, I don't agree with you but at least you make good points and argue your point intelligently. Wait, what are you doing here???
Shocked but not Surprised on August 2, 2010 4:32 PM
Your argument of "ownership is cheap" is only proving my point. I had no idea Bill Wirtz controlled the NHL but thanks for enlightening me.
If there was no salary cap, there would be no hockey. Most of the NHL teams were losing money. Many of them still are. The cap maintains balance to some degree around the league. It's doing exactly what it's designed to do which is not let one team stockpile all the talent.
Remember, the Hawks are spending way above the Cap. They pay Hossa about $3 Million more per year then their cap hit and they will pay Huet $5.6 Million to sit in France and do nothing.
Some of the cap issues were inevitable but don't let Tallon of the hook. He way overpaid for Campbell. Comparable defensemen go for $4.5 to $5.0 Million right now. With the extra $2.0 to $2.5 Million they could have kept Niemi.
Turco is on his way down. Niemi was on his way up. I think the Hawks will regret this move. Niemi proved himself at the most important time, in the playoffs. Turco has repeatedly failed in the post season.
Typical Hawks Bandwagon Clown on August 2, 2010 5:00 PM
LMAO! Right on man!
No! We lost Niemi??!! Now we'll never win another game — EVER!! He was the best goalie in the history of the NFL, wait, er, n-H-l! I mean, we certainly wouldn't have won the Cup last year with any other goalie in net! And goalie is by far the most important position on the team! That's why the Flyers were there -- because their goalie was so awesome, just like ours!
I know we still have Toews, Kane, Keith, Campbell, Hjalmarsson, Sharp, Bolland and Hossa, but that doesn't matter because we traded away all the team's good players!
That's it Hawks, I'm done with you! When does football season start, so I can boo Jay Cutler?
patrick sharp toronto for tomas kaberle
This is a capitalistic nation. This shouldn't be a surprise.
I'm so sick and tired of hearing all this salary cap garbage. If the Blackhawks are still over it then Bowman shouldn't say they aren't. Tired of all this lying, nice to see Bowman is fitting in very nicely with all the other liars who head Chicago's sports teams.
tomas kaberle to chicago for patrick sharp
Fire salesw happen. Hawks will still be a contender.
Frustrated with Stupidity, The Real Pete Hawk, and The Reaper: Where did the hard salary cap come from? The Easter Bunny? Was it an act of God? Was it found in the bulrushes? OR WAS IT THE DOING OF THE NHL OWNERS (INCLUDING THE WIRTZES) WHO STAGED THE 2004-05 LOCKOUT TO GET IT? Spare us the whining about how the team had no choice. What we have here is the classic case of the boy who murdered his parents and then demanded the judge's mercy on the ground that he was now an orphan. The cap and the resultant immediate return of a championship team to the Chicago tradition of mediocrity is the direct result of the owners' (most emphatically including the Wirtzes') greed. In other words, Wirtz is not now allowed to blame what, to line his pockets, he previously embraced (indeed, demanded). Each of you three has the First Amendment right to lap up the owners' Kool-Aid. But not to demand that the rest of us join in.
it sure is funny that they did'nt tell the fans they were going to let niemi go before they sold all the tickets and the weekend that just passed for the fans.Bowman is as spinless as they come. i hope all the chicago fans boycot the games return thier tickets and all the items they bought of the blackhawks. rocky is a bigger joke than his father. i am one fan will never watch a blackhawk game again. I hope they take the blackhawks off tv again. if i was taoews and kane leave the blackhawks when thier contracts are over. the blackhawks really show how they take care of thier players. what a joke.
Hate that Niemi is gone, because he had a stellar postseason. However, he just completed his *rookie* year; asking for the huge raise at this point in his career was ludicrous.
One thing we all can say for certain is that Niemi will *not* be playing for the *defending NFL Championship team*. Athletes should think about the value of being part of a championship team before allowing their agents to talk them into bad decisions.
LeBron's ego or The RealPeteHawk's self proclaimed knowledge of hockey.
TheRealPeteHawk. No one here likes a braggart, but morons like you, keep feeding the animals and they'll stay. The more comments you get the happier you are.
@Just Wondering:
Yes, this does mean I'm leaving the board. And it isn't surprising that you're happy about that. All these facts must make your head hurt, and I can see they definitely get in the way of your preferred spewing of baseless nonsense.
If you had anything intelligent to say, you would have said it long before now. Keep on braying, donkey.
Pete and Frustrated With Stupidity, I don't know why you're frustrated, these aren't Hawks fans posting here. Most of these people never even heard of hockey until May and I bet some of them didn't even watch a single game last season, they just like to come on here, use an anonymous name, and say "Ownership is cheap! Management is stupid!" It's the Chicago way.
Good move, Stan. Even better move to convince Turco to wait until after the arbitrator's decision - no idea how you pulled that off. Personally, I like our chances with Turco mentoring Crawford - Dallas was pretty strong with Turco mentoring Smith (didn't ultimately work out so well for Smitty). Plus, remember Turco was decent with absolutely no defense in front of him. Give the guy a shot with the Hawks' world class defensemen - it will be a world of difference for the guy in Chicago. Frankly, any goalie but one can play well behind our defensemen. That we got a goalie who can play in his own right is a good move in my book.
To me, there were a lot of defining moments in the Cup run, but the one that sticks in my mind is Niemi taking one off the face and Doc screaming how wonderful that save was. Anyone who has ever played the sport knows Niemi was out of position and cooked and Philly missed an open net. Bad shot; not great save. Turco won't make that error - that save gets deflected off the stick or blocker to a transition player.
Will certainly miss Niemi - he was always tough after a loss. But $2.75m is a lot for him, and this was the right move with the cap issues created by Tallon.
TheRealPeteHawk, does this mean you're leaving the board? I sincerely hope so. Didn't realize you know it all and everyone else here knows nothing. Go babble somewhere else I'm pretty sick of it.
Reading through some of these comments, some of you Hawks fans are gonna have reality check coming your way next year if you think Turco is a good signing..I suggest some of you go watch a few Dallas Stars games from last year. There's a big reason why he was still available, he's got rubber pads!
Everybody get 1 thing straight, the real GM of this team is
named Scotty. I saw him @ prospect camp, he was surrounded
by all the Hawk staff like Caeser in the forum, he makes the real decisions because he's a hockey man plain and simple. If you don't believe this then you're kidding yourselves, hard to argue with a dozen cup rings though.
GO HAWKS!
All this was made possible by Dale Talon,Chicago Hockeys version of Jim Hendry.
Ah. I see that the moron who likes to steal my name and post nonsense under it has returned. The king of the asshats, the commander of the clueless.
I'm done trying to convince him to use his own name and make an actual hockey argument. But I'm sure the idiots in here who are screaming about greed and Jim Hendry and all that nonsense think he's super entertaining, so I'll just leave you all to it. Enjoy.
By reading many of these nonsensical posts, it's clear we have many Hawk bandwagon jumpers who don't have a clue or maybe they're just hockey retarded.
These moves had to be done because 1) Dale Tallon was signing players and giving them ridiculuos amounts of money like a drunken sailor the last 2 years and 2) bonus clauses that kicked in for several players on this team got applied toward the hard cap for this year.
Yes, Dale Tallon is the hockey equivalent of Jim Hendry.
I used to consider Blackhawks fans to be among the most knowledgeable around. Based on what I've read in here, I have to reconsider that opinion and hope that things are skewed by an unusually high concentration of people who don't understand hockey and/or are typing their comments while wearing padded mittens and helmets.
There are a very small handful of legitimate points one could make against the decision not to sign Niemi. But instead of making those points, the asshats in here keep screaming mindlessly about greed or how the 'Hawks are mindlessly dismantling the team out of some kind of ignorance or malice.
Please, people. Just stop. Go learn about the salary cap. Remember who signed all the contracts (and missed the RFA deadline last year) that put the team in this position (hint: it wasn't Stan Bowman).
Wow... that's all I can say is WOW. There is going to be so much room now that all of the bandwagoners have jumped off. Hopefully the "Shoot! Shoot!" Guys are gone with them. For everyone crying about Niemi, think about this. Who got a big pay raise for playing one good playoff race and not winning a cup? Answer is, Huet. Who won the Vezina last year? Who started in Boston last year and flopped this year? Point being, yes a great goalie is a thing to hold on to. Problem is is that you can't always tell. If you give in and Niemi stinks, then what do you say? Conversly, if he has a stellar season and his super greedy agent comes back next year, after his one year deal is done, he out the door anyway. So either way it's really a crap shoot. And can we please stop saying Campbell is a mistake? Everyone who is saying that was jumping ship when he went down and they went on the losing streak. When the players (you know, the guys whose opinions actually count, not yours from the cheap seats) say that they were so happy that he was back to help quarterback the PP and for his ability to move the puck, you have to listen to them and agree that he is truly needed. his price was the going rate when they got him, so it wasn't some HUGE blunder. And really, if you are all going to bitch and whine so much, please, for the love of God, stay away from the UC.
Looks like they're drinking the "stupid juice" over at the U.C. Bulls win 6 championships and they dismantle the team, the Hawks win a Stanley Cup and they dismantle the team. Idiots in charge, gotta love it.
I didn't realize Jim Hendry is also running the Blackhawks.
The stupidity of people on this message board amazes me. "Shocked but not Suprised" takes the cake, though. This has NOTHING to do with greed. We were a young team with lots of guys making peanuts and ready for big raises that we had NO WAY of making happen due to the salary cap. Signing Niemi means either Sharp or Bolland gets traded, both of whom are more valuable than Niemi. Also, NIEMI WOULD BE AN UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT AFTER NEXT SEASON!!!!!! We'd still be tight against the cap, with Seabrook's contract up as well. NIEMI WOULD LEAVE NEXT YEAR ANYWAYS!!!! Bowman absolutely made the correct move.
"Shocked but not Surprised on August 2, 2010 2:18 PM
Why is it Chicago that always get saddled with the same dreary greedy stupidity? The billionaire who owns the Blackhawks didn't want to pay the goalie whose stellar playoff play won the Stanley Cup. So, together with most of the rest of the championship team, the goalie's gone. Why, anyone can win a Cup. The fact that no one did from 1961 to 2010 is irrelevant. Oh, and no NHL marquee free agents will notice good ol' Rocky's complete lack of gratitude and loyalty to those who won the title. Just like no post-Jordan NBA free agents ever noticed good ol' Jerry Reinsdorf's identical crass stupidity. No wonder Ol' Rock praised Ol' Jer as his mentor.
There is no other city on Earth where such self-destructive greed could prevail. Can ANYONE imagine George Steinbrenner dumping his team during the victory parade?"
Good luck with Turco, you guys are not gonna like him very much, he gives up a ton of rebounds and lets in some of the weakest ridiculous goals, but usually only when you are in a close game and you need him to make a save.
Good Riddance!!
Sorry to see Niemi go, but Turco is no slouch.
The key goalie stat--Save %--are almost identical. .912 vs .913 for Turco. Not amazing, but both are solid and almost a negligible difference. Turco is likely to be more aggressive pushing the puck up which would really compliment the Hawk's quick offense. He has more assists than any other goalie in the league (4). Conversely, Niemi is still very young handles adversity very well, and may turn out to be the next Roy or Hasek. Turco may have peaked. But he put up solid numbers last year and should be able to put up similar numbers for next year.
I was a big fan of Niemi's last year after just a couple starts, but due to the $ constraints, the Hawks are doing the right thing. They still have a few roster spots to fill and not much money to do it with.
I wish him luck getting $2.75M elsewhere.
That should be Huet and his big fat contract rode the bench for the whole playoffs.
@Are You Serious:
1. Huet's salary will not count against the cap this season, because as soon as they are allowed to do so under the CBA, the 'Hawks will send him to Rockford.
2. Therefore, the cost of Huet's salary has nothing to do with the decision not to sign Niemi.
Any questions?
This is awesome news! I feel like we dodged a bullet with Niemi in goal and now we've got a proven goalie. He is going to be awesome with the Hawks in front of him. Thank you arbitrators for forcing the Hawks' hand! Can't wait! I'm sure the rest of the league bellowed a collective, 'ah craaaap' at this news.
Handlebars, I could not agree with you more! Stan is making wise decisions. The Hawks won games because Niemi didn't have to stop as many quality shots as the opposition.
TheRealPeteHawk, what are you talking about that Huet has nothing to do with it. He was given a big fat contract when he did nothing to earn it. Huet and his big fat contract pretty much rode the bunch for the whole playoffs. If you think he has nothing to do with it then you have no clue what you're talking about.
Oh, and one more thing Shocked But Not Surprised: Maybe you missed it -- it was kind of big news last week -- but the Blackhawks actually LOST money last year. And their ticket prices were 22nd in the league. Doesn't sound all that greedy to me.
@Shocked But Not Surprised
That has to be one of the most ignorant comments of all time. Please, go familiarize yourself with the facts -- strike that, let's start slow....familiarize yourself with ONE fact -- before spouting such unbelievable nonsense.
This has nothing to do with greed. The cap is the cap, and the team pays absolutely every cent in salary it is permitted to pay. That was true last year, and it will be true this year. There was NO POSSIBLE WAY to keep last year's team intact under the salary cap. It could not be done, not by Rocky Wirtz, not by George Steinbrenner, not by anyone.
Thanks for playing, though.
All I can say Is GREAT and SMART Move! Turco over niemi anyday and the Hawks save Cap space. No way you give Niemi almost 3 mill. Watch Turco with a team like the Hawks, he will be amazing. He had a slightly better save % than niemi last year on a bad team. Nice move and go get em boys.
What the hell is going on here, every trade so far has been because of the salary cap, releasing Niemi is another salary cap move. If I remember correctly didn't Bowman say after Byfuglien, Eager and Sopel got traded that's all the Hawks had to do to get under the cap and no further trades would be needed? Bowman is nothing more than a lying bastard. Glad we won the Cup because all the retarded moves since then we'll never win another.
T: Niemi/Turco was never an option. You're aware there is a hard salary cap, right?
And Niemi had some nice games, but he didn't "stand on his head." He faced fewer shots than any other goalie in the league. His Save % was decent, but Turco's was better playing in front of a much worse team.
We honor him for helping the team win the Cup. That won't change. But keeping him was not an option under the salary cap, and Huet has nothing to do with it.
Let's not let our nostalgia obscure the facts. Niemi had one season in the league, in which he only started about half the games. He had some great saves, but he also let in some softies and tended to give up way too many long rebounds in the slot. They couldn't pay him $2.75M, so he's gone.
Turco will do fine behind this team. Watch and see.
Why is it Chicago that always get saddled with the same dreary greedy stupidity? The billionaire who owns the Blackhawks didn't want to pay the goalie whose stellar playoff play won the Stanley Cup. So, together with most of the rest of the championship team, the goalie's gone. Why, anyone can win a Cup. The fact that no one did from 1961 to 2010 is irrelevant. Oh, and no NHL marquee free agents will notice good ol' Rocky's complete lack of gratitude and loyalty to those who won the title. Just like no post-Jordan NBA free agents ever noticed good ol' Jerry Reinsdorf's identical crass stupidity. No wonder Ol' Rock praised Ol' Jer as his mentor.
There is no other city on Earth where such self-destructive greed could prevail. Can ANYONE imagine George Steinbrenner dumping his team during the victory parade?
Really stupid move by the Blackhawks. Huet got a big contract and did nothing, Niemi practically stood on his head during the regular season and the playoffs and he's a big reason why we won. Niemi was worth the money. Now we're stuck with Huet because he sucks and no team is going to pay the rest of his contract. Whoever signs Niemi is getting a hell of a goalie. Hawks should have made him #1 and signed Turco as a backup.
Shut up with your facts Handlebars, I want to win the Stanley Cup every year! Anything less and I get to whine about owners and management.
Attaboy Rocky! That's more like it!
I remember last season's trade deadline, everyone whined and complained that Hawks didn't trade for a veteran goalie and said "oh forget the Cup now!"
So now the Hawks sign a veteran goalie, everyone whines and compalins that the Hawks didn't keep their young unproven goalie and say "oh forget the Cup now!"
There's a common thread here, you see.
What you are all missing is that Turco put up better save %age numbers than Niemi all the while he was playing behind a pourous defense in Dallas. Now he is going to be behind, for the most part, the same D that Niemi had last year. I'll bet his save %age improves.
The Hawks are going to be fine. Yes, watching these players leave stinks but this was going to happen regardless of what happened to them this year?
TRUE Blackhawks fans understand this. WE WON THE STANLEY CUP!!! The two biggest contract blunders were Tallon's fault. In addition, he forgot to send in the paperwork for Versteeg and Barker last year which tripled their salaries (and forced the team to trade them).
I trust this ownership and front office. Can wait to see the new younger Hawks. They are still a top 3 team in the conference, and top 5 or 6 in the whole league...
You can tell who the "idiot" posters are on this article. Clueless I tell's ya! "They should have just kept everyone"-daaaahhhhh!!!!!!!!!
they have a ton of question marks on the 3rd and 4th lines, along with 5th and 6th D.
-----------------------------------------------------------
So does every single team in the NHL.
Hi boys, did you figure out who you want in goal yet? I know all the answers, and will probably be working in the front office very soon due my expertise. Now if I can just figure out a way to stop staining these boxers...
ANYBODY that watches hockey year long, and doesn't jump into the games till April, fully knows the Hawks had no choice but to do what they've done. Let's see who's willing to pay Niemi his almost 3 million...don't think they'll be lining up. Turco is a solid experienced net-minder, and do you nay-sayers remember where we were 3 short years ago?? I believe in the Hawk Mgmt., and can't wait for Oct. 7th in Colorado! GO HAWKS!!!!!
Tim: Hjalmarsson is your 4th D-Man. Maybe your third. And that's on one of the best defensive teams in the league. Plus, he's very young and still getting better. I'm sure we all wish our old friend Doug Wilson hadn't done that to the 'Hawks, and hopefully the 'Hawks will have the chance to return the favor some day. But under the circumstances, it was the right thing to do to sign him.
Turco is a helluva goalie. Watching the Stars last year, Turco often had a lousy defense in front of him. With the Blackhawks' defense, he'll do very well. Go Hawks!
Even if we had further gutted the team to keep Niemi, it would only be for one year - Niemi would have been an unrestricted free agent next season, and since we'll be right up against the cap again in a year, Niemi would have walked anyways!!!! The $4 million of Toews/Kane bonus money coming off the cap is how we'll extend Seabrook long-term.
And everybody - Huet WILL be in Rockford next year. It has to happen in order for us to field a full roster this coming season. Sending Huet down will occur, per NHL rules, when the season begins.
Why the hell would we overpay a 3rd line defenseman in Hjalmerson(who got more money then niemi would have) and not keep our Stanley cup winning goalie. So stupid. Rewatch the first game of the sharks series for all you morons who think this was an ok move. Niemi was a great goalie and we are going to sorely miss him next year.
I'm glad it's still summer! I can't be thinking about ice except for the ice in my drink. I'll worry about all this in a few months.
if a team's lucky enough to get into the playoffs it's always the team that's on fire that wins. get to playoffs first. go from there.
People need to lay off people like PeteHawk, because he's right on the money in every single point that he has made. There are a lot of people who simply aren't knowledgeable enough about how the NHL salary cap works, but will still rant and rave about getting rid of players like Niemi and Byfuglien.
The Hawks had NO CHOICE in this matter. They simply did not have enough money to work with to keep any of the players they parted with on the roster. I think Bowman did a brilliant job of keeping the core intact of this Hawks team. In order to have Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharp, Brower, Keith, Seabrook and Hjalmarsson on the roster this year, they had to do each and every single move that has happened this off-season. They were able to keep their best players and position themselves for a long run as a Stanley Cup contender for years to come.
I applaud the effort the Blackhawks front office has done to keep the best players in Chicago and move players who are most definitely replaceable. It wasn't easy but every move absolutely had to be done.
Old 'n slow.
"The Stars failed to qualify for the postseason. On April 13, 2010, it was reported that Turco would not be resigned by Dallas, ending his nine years with the Stars."
wikipedia.com
Dial it down -- this is actually okay, and probably smart.
Given the huge difference in team defense quality between Hawks and Stars, wins/losses and GAA cannot be compared, but save percentage can -- and both are about the same.
Thank You Bowmens...
• we have learned from our past mistakes with paying goalies waaaaay tooooo much $$. EXAMPLE: Cristobal Huet $5.6M,
• A good goalie is the result of excellent DEFENSE and the back-checking of the forward line (ie, Hosa).
• Few goalies in the history of hockey are worth the big money, notable exception of recent Dominik Hašek.
• Remember most goalies play only ½ a season.
Niemi does not get 2.75 million automatically with any team he signs for. The arbiter's award doesn't mean anything now because he is now an UNRESTRICTED free agent. He will likely get a longer deal (3-4 years) for less than 2.75 mildo per year.
As a Wings fan, I am thrilled by the signing of Turco. We ate him up nearly every time we played him, and I think he's won 1 game in the last 20 tries at JLA. Hawks are in big trouble!
Any Huet news? Why did Blackhawks management keep him---could have shipped him off to Rockford & saved salary cap $$$. Turco to be #1 Hawk goalie? PLUS a 20% increase in tickets?
Blackhawks. They were the perfect team. What a machine they were.
So much expertise here, how many of you guys (for or against all these trades) actually manage or coach an NHL team? . . . . . . . . . Thats what I thought!
I would have called Niemi's bluff a little bit and not signed Turco so fast. Niemi is a good, but green minder, but I don't think there are any 2.75 million holes to fill in the league. Great arbitration - now what are you going to do next year when no one hires you on? Drink some Hi-C fruit punch and watch Gilligan's Island reruns? Niemi will be lucky if he can get half of the arbitration number from anyone this late in the game.
I am not a bandwagon jumper, but I also have a life and don't sit around in my underwear debating every sports news item.
Whether or not we do good or bad in 10/11, it is a shame that such a special team had to be dismantled. I think we can all agree on that?
88S
I am very sorry to see a huge dismantling of the best thing that's happened to Chicago in a very long time.
People, let's put some perspective on this. While it's sad to lose a goaltender who helped you win the Stanley Cup, team defense was really the key. The Hawks top two defensive pairings have no equal in the game. We'll also have Marian Hossa for a full season this time (barring injury again). Joel Quenneville and his staff will do a great job blending in the new players and some may surprise you. And, this team will still be hungry to succeed and repeat. Captain Serious will not accept mediocrity.
And, I have a feeling Stan Bowman is not done tinkering with the roster.
Go Hawks!
I see the joker who stole my name is still posting nonsense under it. This nitwit has nothing to add to the actual discussion, and 90 minutes later he's still so chapped at the way I sorted him out on the facts that he's continuing to call names. Such a tough guy. Props to Idiot Alert for calling him out on it.
Anyway, I'm not going to hang around in here and listen to this asshat insult me. I came in to talk about hockey, and apparently that's not what this page is about. Too bad. Maybe I'll check back later to see if he's got the balls to debate me on the facts instead of hiding and calling names like a little girl. Not holding my breath, though.
Did you watch the playoffs? Too much money for not enough talent. He was outplayed, Hawks got lucky. Let him go.
Kopecky cap hit is only $1.2 million.
I've never heard of a team having this many cap related problems. What the hell is going on? You are truly not better when you give up your 26 yr old goalie for a 1 year thirty something rental. They may still have their core, but they have a ton of question marks on the 3rd and 4th lines, along with 5th and 6th D. Add this to the pile. Lets hope Towes and Kane continue to get better. Hopefully they can sign Beach and get another scorer on board.
you guys got one hell of a netminder for a steal of a price. Make no mistake, Turco's last few years were a fluke and he's still got plenty in the tank.
You guys are getting a proven leader, competitor, and class act.
Not to mention that he's your 3rd defenseman and will further help your already good defense keep the other team's forecheck at bay.
Good move Stan...Neimi not worth it gives to many rebounds and on his butt for most of the pucks behind him
@girlhawkfan: google images - Viktor Stalberg
This is a mistake. Goalies are not so interchangeable. Niemi showed championship toughness. And its all about the playoffs, he wouldn't have had to play 70 games for the Hawks to be the 1-3 seed in the west. Anyone who actually does watch hockey has seenTurco dog it in Dallas has got to be sick over this. And basically for 1.4 mil difference against the big-bad-cap. Cut a fourth line forward and you are back to even. A stupid move by smart guys and one they will regret.
I trust the Bowmans! If the Hawks have an above average goalie, they will be in the Western Conference Finals again and will be playing for the Stanley Cup next year or the year after. We have great defenseman and 4 or 5 all-star forwards... Not to worry!
Good move Stan...Neimi not worth it to many rebounds on his butt for most of the pucks behind him
good move Stan..Niemi is not worth it
So Long, Blackhawks, Been Nice knowin' ya. The team that could have been a dynasty is now just a shadow of that. Pays all of us to remember that the days of the "team" are long gone; this is just a business now, like any other. Have a great time as they bump up your ticket prices again.....and again.....and......
It's ok Antti, I'll find some sucker to pay you $2.75M.
It will be another 49 years Hawk fans.
at least they kept all the cute ones like toews, kane, sharp, duncan and seabrook. they should've kept niemi, ladd and versteeg also. too much ice candy.
Frank, until Hendry wins the World Series, him and Bowman can't be on the same boat.
Don't let facts get in the way of a good rant. When a guy like Pete tries to introduce facts into the argument, chastise him for it. Stay classy Chicago.
I'm as arrogant and condescending a know-it-all as any of you will ever meet, but as long as I love myself and criticize others, life is grand!
Bad PR move by the Hawks. But then again, when you make business decisions based on PR, you become the Cubs.
That's what you get for being greedy. Poor Antti, as it is my guess that he wanted to stay in Chicago. Maybe you need to find an agent that isn't quite so greedy. Good luck where ever you end up Antti. You will be missed, especially if Turco flops.
Why are the Hawks going to keep Kopecky @2.4 mill and sign a has been in Turco?
Go Figure!
Niemi started less than 45% of this team's regular season games, 35 to be exact. No proof that he could handle a starter workload and still been fresh enough for a playoff run. IF the 'Hawks had accepted the $2.75 million and kept Niemi, then they would have been stuck with a league minimum Backup, and many league minimum 3rd and 4th liners just to fill the roster. I feel Niemi would have struggled with a 70/30 or worse workload, and team depth would have suffered to accomodate his salary. With the savings on Turco, some of the 3rd and 4th liners that make a little more than the $500k league minimum will be able to have roster spots, and Turco/Crawford will be a reasonable tandem.
Nice way to thank Antti!
Now we 1 million to spare to sign a center for the Hawks. Hopefully Madden will get another year with the Hawks.
Aww c'mon Pete dont be so hard on urself.
I can understand that the fan base would have loved to see Niemi remain as a Hawk, but I have complete confidence in the management team, especially one that includes Scotty Bowman. The man is a winner and he knows how to build a team. Don't for one minute think that he is just some token embassador in the background. I can guarantee that he is a BIG part of the decisions that are being made. His track record speaks for itself. Keep in mind that Niemi has been considered the worst goaltender to win the Stanley Cup. Don't you remember what many of the commentators were saying in the Finals? Many said that Leighton and Niemi were the two least impressive goaltenders to play in the finals. The Hawks won as a team period! I believe that Niemi and his agent got greedy and it might end up hurting his career in the immediate and possibly long-term. I was hoping that the Hawks management would sign and trade Niemi to Washington for their young Russian goalie, Vharlamov, but it looks like this rumor came to nothing. I am still excited and optimistic about this coming season. Go Hawks Go!
Mike on August 2, 2010 11:29 AM
"Am I reading this right? Luongo is a $10M hit this year? If this is true, the Canucks are in a world of sh*t."
No, Luongo makes 10 million next season in real money but he has one of those front-loaded deals a la Hossa and Kovalchuk that artificially decreases his cap hit.
His hit is 5.33m a year. The cap hit the average per season number.
If a guy with a 2-year deal makes 4m one year and 2m the second, his hit is 3m both years.
Guys , relax - I'm just a douche , that's all. I like to act like im a hockey GM on message boards of local newspapers to show how many games I watch , BUT REALLY - Im just a scared virgin living in my mom's basement playing video game GM at home. I know am the all-knowing Doucher of Chicago
Actually, let me rephrase, there really is no debate anyway, because I know more then anybody here so it's not worth you even trying, so just give up and bow to me. Nobody's opinion matters but mine!
I am really interested in seeing what Niemi signs for with another team.
To whoever posted under my name at 11:34, it's too bad you don't have the courage to debate me straight up if you disagree with me, rather than resorting to tricks. You must be so proud.
I hate to see Niemi go, but Tallon screwed up the cap so bad over the past yrs that I cannot blame management. The Hawks tried to give away Campbell but no other team in the league wants his salary for the next 5 yrs, and no other team in the league was willing to even touch Huet's contract with a stick. I am looking forward to seeing some of the younger guys get a real shot, Skille has deserved a chance and so has Bickell. We have a Stanley Cup again and the White Sox delivered us a recent baseball championship, now if we can just get the loser cubs to win we will be completely off the longest losers list.
I'm sorry guys, I'm just better then you all, and have to prove I know more then all of you.
Will everyone stop with the "One and Done." Like someone mentioned, it is very HARD to repeat in any sport, let alone hockey. Take a look at the Hawks roster and see who they will have for a long time to come. Their "core" is the youngest in the league and the best. The Hawks are in a great position moving forward. It's obvious that most people on here have never been involved in running a business. In this case, a business that is restricted by the governing rules of the salary cap. BTW, Wirtz is essentially going to EAT Huet's money to allow him to play anywhere but on the Hawks' roster, thus not counting against the salary cap. Those are the facts.
WOW some of these experts really know their hockey, its funny, people watched hockey for a Stanley Cup run and they are experts. Turco is a good goalie, if you don't believe me look up ((ALL)) of the Dallas Stars franchise records for goaltenders, he holds all records. The Blackhawks will be back contending for the cup again. Sure they won't run 3 solid lines all season but they still will run 2 solid lines and with this move Hawks fans might see some of the top prospects like LeConde, Beach, and other pricey prospects. The Bowmans are Hockey loyality I think some people should show them some respect. Look them up if you don't what they have done in the game.
Am I reading this right? Luongo is a $10M hit this year? If this is true, the Canucks are in a world of sh*t.
http://static.fantasysports.ca/NHLSalaryData/globe/top100avg-G-salary.html
Rocket Man:
What in the world makes you think anyone wanted to trade for Niemi at 2.75M? Not going to happen.
And as for Campbell, how do you propose they should have parted with his salary? No one was going to trade for him with that huge contract. The 'Hawks weren't going to send him to Rockford (not sure they could have anyway). So, what should they have done? And by the way, his salary may be out of line, but he's absolutely a Top 4 defender in the NHL and an important part of the team. I'm glad he's still there.
Am I reading this right? Luongo is a $10M hit this year? If this is true, the Canucks are in a world of sh*t.
Next January, when Hjarmalsson turns the puck over in his own zone and loses a game for about the fourth time this coming season, you'll realize they kept the wrong guy. Dumb, dumb, dumb move.
Yes, Turco will be the starter. Crawford will be the backup. The only things we're not sure about is how good Corey Crawford will be in that role and if Turco can remain reasonably healthy the whole season.
Deadhead:
1. Yes, Turco will be expected to be the starter.
2. Yes, Huet is done.
3. Crawford may be the backup, but they also have another Finnish goalie, Hannu Toivonen, who could beat Crawford out in camp.
Stan Bowman has gotten way too full of himself. Like a Vegas gambler on a fluky winning streak, he's convinced himself he can do no wrong.
Two years from now, Stan Bowman will be in the same boat as Jim Hendry.
Ummmmm..no. Go back and read my comments again. I said that Huet can't be sent down until camp. That's right. I said that his salary won't count against the cap unless he is on the roster. That's right, too. I said Huet won't be on the roster this season. Right again. I said that Huet's salary had nothing to do with the decision on Niemi. Guess what...that's right, too.
So what's your problem?
A little bit of a surprise that they did not sign and trade him but they cannot take the chance. This all boiled down to money and the 'Hawks unwillingness to part with Brian Campbell and his outrageous salary. the "cheaper" Turco will do okay but the Blackhawks appear to really be counting on Corey Crawford. Niemi will find work but not at the high salary he and his agent thinks he deverves. This dismantling of a champion is essentially all Dale Talon's fault. But, at least they won it one year while all together.
My prediction yesterday was right!
I heard on Fri that the speculation was as long as the arbitrator number was below $2.8 million, the Hawks would sign him. The number was $2.75 millon which would of made him the 21st highest paid goalie in the league. That seems fairly reasonable to me.
http://www.nhlnumbers.com/sort.php?pos=G&type=none
Maybe it's a case where Wirtz said he won't pay Huet $5 mil to not play, we still have him for 2 more years. Right now, the Hawks have 18 players under contract at just under $62 million, the cap is $65 mil and this is with Huet's contract of $5.625. They still need 5 more players (NHL roster is 23), if they drop Huet, they need 6 more players including another goalie.
Reality check:
Toews' cap hit went from $2.8 mil to $6.3 mil, +$3.5 mil (his contract was $850,000, not sure why such a big cap hit)
Kane's cap hit went from $3.725 mil to $6.3 mil, +$2.575 mil (his contract was $875,000, not sure why such a big cap hit)
Keith's cap hit went from $1.475 mil to $5.51 mil, +$4.035 mil (his contract is $8 mil?)
http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=CHI&season=1011
That's $10million added to the Cap with 3 players, that is, 3 of the best players in the league. Seabrook is a RFA at the end of this year and they MUST sign him.
I'm back off the ledge but am still confused about
1) Is Turco will be our starter?
2) Is Huet done?
3) Who's the backup if Huet is gone, Crawford?
Reading all these comments, it's quite evident the "better" Hawks fans are just like White Sox fans. We all know you strive in life to prove you were somewhere first, or you're better than everyone else. This isn't your family. We're not going to pay any attention to you no matter how important you make yourself feel. Get over it. Winning brings in fans. Except for the White Sox, of course.
Ya know...Bill Wirtz is gone. Rocky and friends have turned this franchise around to include a Stanley Cup in, what, two seasons? I hate to see a championship team dismembered, too. Salary caps are a reality. The cap is "why" some of you corporate morons can still afford a season ticket!
See and be seen...sheesh! Rocky, you haven't given anyone a reason not to trust you. Just be sure to be solid enough to beat Detroit this season.
I heard on Fri that the speculation was as long as the arbitrator number was below $2.8 million, the Hawks would sign him. The number was $2.75 millon which would of made him the 21st highest paid goalie in the league. That seems fairly reasonable to me.
http://www.nhlnumbers.com/sort.php?pos=G&type=none
Maybe it's a case where Wirtz said he won't pay Huet $5 mil to not play, we still have him for 2 more years. Right now, the Hawks have 18 players under contract at just under $62 million, the cap is $65 mil and this is with Huet's contract of $5.625. They still need 5 more players (NHL roster is 23), if they drop Huet, they need 6 more players including another goalie.
Reality check:
Toews' cap hit went from $2.8 mil to $6.3 mil, +$3.5 mil (his contract was $850,000, not sure why such a big cap hit)
Kane's cap hit went from $3.725 mil to $6.3 mil, +$2.575 mil (his contract was $875,000, not sure why such a big cap hit)
Keith's cap hit went from $1.475 mil to $5.51 mil, +$4.035 mil (his contract is $8 mil?)
http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=CHI&season=1011
That's $10million added to the Cap with 3 players, that is, 3 of the best players in the league. Seabrook is a RFA at the end of this year and they MUST sign him.
I'm back off the ledge but am still confused about
1) Is Turco will be our starter?
2) Is Huet done?
3) Who's the backup if Huet is gone, Crawford?
PeteHawk ....I think you need to brush up on your NHL CBA rules.
Huets contract does not come off the books until after the season starts, and if they do indeed send him down..until then it counts against the teams cap right now.
Turco's save percentage is the same as Niemi's, but Dallas' defense was crap. He is at worst an equal performer to Niemi. Cheaper too, so we can keep Sharp. Good move by Bowman.
As for people saying the Hawks won't repeat, you could've said that as soon as game 6 was over, no team has won back to back cups in the salary cap era...
It's OK. Settle down everyone.
1. Even if Niemi turns out to be the next Hasek/Roy/Brodeur, he would be out the door next year as an unrestricted free agent, as the Hawks cannot fit a Hasek/Roy/Brodeur under the salary cap. If the Hawks ate the $2.75 million and Niemi proved average or worse, they would be really screwed. Remember that Huet, Tim Thomas, Rick DiPietro and Cam Ward were all paid to be elite goaltenders but have not panned out.
2. This frees up money to re-sign Brent Seabrook, whose contract ends after this season, and maybe Sharpie's (two more years).
3. Huet WILL NOT be with the team. They cannot move him to Rockford until shortly before the season starts. To compensate, the team can be up to 10% over the cap until the season begins.
4. Niemi is now an unrestricted free agent. Maybe he finds someone to take him for $2.75M and maybe not. I think not, and I think his agent gave him bad advice.
Dear Antti,
Congrats, you shot yourself in the foot. Could have had $2 mil a year from the Hawks and a great shot at winning the Cup again, but you had to get greedy. Now we got a quality goaltender for less, our core intact for a repeat and you're on the market with an expensive pricetag and few teams looks for netminders. Thanks for the memories and best of luck trying to get that $2.75 you think you deserve.
PS Great job Hawks, you did the right thing!!!
Blackhawks Goaltender Tryouts:
Huet's salary does not count against the cap unless he's on the roster. If you put him on the roster, his salary counts against the cap and you have to drop that many more guys to get under.
This isn't really rocket science, people.
Everybody hanging all their hopes on the "core" management is trying to sell you on this off season, is going to have a rude awakening this year..Yeah the Hawks have their "Core players", but nothing else. They are going to be surrounded by a bunch of average rookies, and retreads! There's only so much Toews,Kane, Hossa, and Keith can do by themselves! Other teams will be able to defend them better now that the Hawks have ZERO depth on their team...Plus, they don't have a goaltender that can stop a beach ball on top of it all!
petehawk and ron make excellent points. the hawks will be fine. the hjallmarson contract hurt too but, i'm glad they matched it. will they be able to move campbell next season in order to keep seabrook?
All of you who think this is a bad move..Please do not buy any tickets next year so I have a better chance of getting in for a decent price and at the same time, I won't have to listen to bonehead comments. Niemi demanded more money than anyone can possibly PROVE he is worth. The hawks have outstanding defenders who undoubtedly helped pad Niemi's stats last year. Turco had comparable stats last season with a clearly less talented team. Get a clue. Jeez.
The real jay: What is it about a hard salary cap that is so difficult for you to understand? No one cares if you didn't like the fact that Byfuglien had to go. Your feelings are irrelevant. You want to pay top of market for Byfuglien...OK. What if that meant you couldn't sign the deal they made with Keith or Toews or Kane?
So much stupidity, so little time.
Great move Stan! Turco is definitely an upgrade for a few very good years with the solid D in front of him. Dallas' D sucked and his GAA rose last few years because of that. he is still a rock solid goalie and we will be back in the hunt for another cup. The Drag Queens, Canucks, and Sharks will be obstacles but who do the Sharks have at goal? Maybe they will try to get Niemi if they have any cap room. BTW, Pecca Rinne is even a better tender than Niemi but Trashville's D is slower and less athletic.
Hawks have NO goaltender worth anything now...Might as well just bring Huet back this year, they are paying him anyway regardless!! Marty Turco? There's a reason he was still unsigned! horrible move and a waste of 1.5 million! This signing must mean Crawford is really bad!
Professional sports has turned into a greed cesspool. It is time to ignore pro sports! Stop going to games. Why do you give hard earned money to dimwit athletes who don't give a damn about you? Are you stupid? Go to college games! Support the student athletes! It is always a better game!
I didn't like the fact that Big Buff was the first to go. I mean they gutted the whole team with exception of two or three people. Jeff is right; there will be no repeat on the west side.
For the love of God....stop asking why the Hawks kept Huet. They didn't. They have to keep him on the roster until training camp due to the CBA. As soon as they can, they send him down to Rockford or he leaves for Europe. His salary will NOT count against the cap this season and has NOTHING to do with the decision on Niemi. Get your facts straight or pipe down.
Sorry, Bonkers, I'm not a bandwagon fan, unless 16 years is "bandwagon." What I'm upset about is that there seems to be no incentive to play your heart out your rookie year and help your team win the Stanley Cup. Then you get traded because you joined the team after they had paid out huge bucks to some others who came on two years before you did and there's no money left within the cap. Play mediocre and stay on the team or really do a stand-out job and lose it?
all you people asking why do we still have Huet and why we didnt drop him... He has an enormous contract that is un-movabele thanks to Dale Tallon. Matter of fact as much good as Dale did. Financially we are in this situation because of his bad contracts... Huet and Campbell being the most glaring.
Niemi only started 35 games of an 823 game schedule. There is no proof that he could have handled a #1 workload, AND been sharp in the playoffs. IF the Blackhawks would have taken his $2.75million salary, then they would have had to go with a League minimum backup AND league minimum lower line guys. It would have been a HUGE gamble that Niemi could handle a 70/30 or more workload over the course of a season. This is not to belittle the fine job he did in the playoffs, but is meant to point out that he still is unproven as a #1 guy over the course of a season. Turco is more than servicable, and will come in with a salary that will allow better quality lower liners.
Why do the Hawks keep Huet?
Hey Dennis - Niemi gives up too many rebounds.. take out your 2010 stanley cup dvd and check it out.
You mean Murray Bannerman wasn't available? Eddie Belfour?
Niemi only started 35 games of an 823 game schedule. There is no proof that he could have handled a #1 workload, AND been sharp in the playoffs. IF the Blackhawks would have taken his $2.75million salary, then they would have had to go with a League minimum backup AND league minimum lower line guys. It would have been a HUGE gamble that Niemi could handle a 70/30 or more workload over the course of a season. This is not to belittle the fine job he did in the playoffs, but is meant to point out that he still is unproven as a #1 guy over the course of a season. Turco is more than servicable, and will come in with a salary that will allow better quality lower liners.
Those of you who think that Huet's salary has anything to do with the Niemi decision just havent' been paying attention. Huet's gone -- to Rockford, Europe or wherever -- and his numbers didn't factor in at all. He won't be on the roster ever again, period. The only question was whether you could fill out the rest of the roster while paying Niemi $2.75M. The answer was no. They found what appears to be a pretty decent alternative for a much more appealing price. Turco will be fine behind this team. Remember: Niemi wasn't the starter most of last year. He was an unknown "rookie" (despite his age).
Some people here are DUMB and have been watching hockey for three months... Who signed Campbell and Huet to overpriced deals??? Who gave BByfuglien more money then he deserved at that certain point in his career??? Maybe the Florida Panthers GM??? He drafted great players but signed players to highly overpriced contracts!!! And truthfully, puck possession and D wins championships- all you need is a serviceable goalie and great blueliners with forwards who can play D and you have a good team. I liked Niemi but he is no Roy or Hasek. Another truth is Hjalmarsson is a little overpaid as well but the Hawks had no choice.
I feel better that Drebin has blessed the Turco deal. Now if the Blackhawks bring Joe Friday, Peter Gunn, Simon Templar and Bond, James Bond, on board I'll rest easy.
Good thing the Blackhawks didn't pull a San Jose this past season and blow their chance at the Cup. The Blackhawks, while being a good team moving forward, will be a one and done as far as the Stanley Cup is concerned. Go back two seasons to the signing of Huet. That move was horrible, especially since they still had Khabbibulen signed for one more season. That signing put the Blackhawks in double digits salary cap wise for goalies, and they've been unable to recover. If not for Niemi, the Hawks would have never been able to break their 49 year winless streak. All we can hope for now, is somehow a goalie, perhaps Crawford comes along and becomes the next Niemi. Huet and Turco, no way San Jose'.
and the Blackhawks.................say NO !!
All you have to know is that Turco turned down considerably more money from Philly to play on hte Blackhawks.
Here's a guy with a long NHL career who was once one of the top-salaried netminders in the league - willing to take less money to share time with Corey Crawford - and put his chances of getting his name on the Stanley Cup along with Chicago's, and more importantly knowing that Bowman will get this transition done - and still put a winner on the ice.
Stan Bowman knows what he is doing. With the excellent "D" in front of him, Marty will rebound in a huge way. Also saving room for another million dollar player. GO HAWKS...
Niemi was a nobody until 50 games into the season. He is a solid goalie but benefited greatly from amazing defense. Probably the best in the league. He had a strong Cup run but he is not a franchise goalie for next 5 years so relax. Next person to criticize Campbell knows nothing about hockey. The Blackhawks signed him at his market value after he had a great couple of years with San Jose. Also, if you remember when he got hurt, Blackhawks had there losing streak of the season and when he came back, they got hot again. Sure its a lot of money at almost 7 million but it is what it is. Same with Hossa. He is the most complete player on the entire team playing both ways, never getting taking off puck and making others better. You only get $50 million in cap space so its not possible to have a full roster of great players. Hawks benefited from Tallons great drafting and got awesome contributions from some of those role players. For the Blackhawks to repeat, Kane and Toews need to take another step up. The superstars of this league flirt with 45 goals and 100 points.
Another thing, everyone -- CHICAGO WON THE FRICKIN' STANLEY CUP!!!! They are going to go deep into the playoffs for the next 5 years. We still have the top two offensive lines intact, the top two defensive lines intact, and now some of the younger guns will step up and develop.
Check out Bleacher Report (.com) and look at some of the articles on how the Hawks will do next year. There's a particularly good article on where the additional goals will come from, including a healthy Hossa and Bolland.
Hawks repeat for the first time this millenium!!
Turco is not past his prime. He is considerably better than Niemi. The only problems he has are injury related, and we have a new kid in Rockford waiting for his chance. I'm not talking about Crawford either.
Khabibulin won the cup too. Got his big paycheck, moved to a worse team (the Blackhawks), and stunk. Maybe that's harsh to say he stunk, just wasn't worth the money he was paid. The list is long for goalies who sign their first free agent deals, and on new teams they get exposed for what they really are. I can't wait to see who picks up Niemi.
The whole "won a stanley cup" on your resume thing is severely overrated.
Not the end of the world. If Niemi was the second coming of Martin Brodeur or Patrick Roy, then he had to be signed. He always has struck me as a "solid" goalie who could be spectacular at times and shaky at others. If they signed him they would be shopping for a new goalie next year anyway, because he would be unrestricted and they wouldn't be able to sign him. Might as well see what Crawford can do. I always thought Turco was overrated though, not sure I like that signing.
Am I the only one who thought that this was the Hawks' plan all along? Tired of hearing the backlash of players who have already been let go, they went through the arbitration motions with Niemi, got the number they were hoping for (under $3M), and STILL they are going to let him go.
I blame the ridiculous contracts doled out to Huet and Campbell, but I think that this is a big mistake by the Hawks.
What new fans don't understand is that it is a "hard cap." This isn't MLB with no cap or the NBA with a luxury tax cap, this is a straight you're not allowed to go over the cap. So all the people who think "They signed Turco for 1.5 and they couldn't give Niemi 2.75", the reason is that they would have had to lose another person. Look, Turco's numbers were almost the same as Niemi in that the save percentage was .913 to .912. Turco's GGA was 2.7, Niemi 2.2, but Niemi faced way less shots that Turco. Turco will put up the same Niemi numbers and be no different than him in the coming year. I'm not downplaying Niemi, but you could have put any competent goaltender back there behind them, sans Huet, and they could have won the Cup. Niemi saved their ass a couple times, but Turco is comparable. Don't think we're losing Brodeur or Roy.
I know this is hard to comprehend for the many Hawk fans who just started watching in the playoffs but it is a reality of the salary cap. If you followed the team at all this past year you would know this type of thing was coming. Trust McDonough, Bowman, and Co. they built this team into winners and know how to win consistently in the NHL
The Cap is what it is. If the Hawks kept Niemi this year they would have wound up with the same dilemma next year. Do you pay Niemi or do you pay Seabrook who is going to be an unrestricted free agent. Still, to just let Niemi go? Maybe Niemi's contract wasn't reasonable to the Hawks but surely reasonable to someone else. You tell me trader Bowman after trading away six players couldn't at least find one more deal for a Stanley Cup winning goalie? But, instead, chose to just let Niemi walk as an unrestricted free agent for nada? Someone tell me what sense does that make.
This is great news... Turco will be dependable and will have a great year with the Hawks' defense in front of him, which is something he's never had. And at the bargain price for Turco, who clearly will be motivated to win a cup before he retires, the Hawks can now play/rotate some of their younger guns who are making around/more than 1 million but more than the league-minimum 500k... Or they can bring in a really good 5th defenseman... And this gives Corey Crawford an additional year to mature so that he can take the reins in a year.
Too bad Hammer wasn't signed before the offer sheet...that could've saved money. At least this year's penalty in bonus money to Toews/Kane will be available for Seabrook's raise next year.
all of these comments are asinine. you people are retarded and know nothing about hockey and the cap situation of the NHL and that dale tallon put us in. tallon signed hossa, campbell, huet. jesus christ, eductate yourself before posting idiotic comments!
With Turco in the net the Hawks will roll in 2010-11!
Over.
This is all Huet's fault. We should've dropped that bum to the minors.
Well, some quote/unquote fans just do not understand the NHL salary cap. I wish the Trib would post the exact financial numbers the Hawks and Bowman were up against with Niemi. I knew when the figure came in over 2 mil, then the Hawks were left with either keeping Niemi and cutting another player (like Sharp) plus having no ability to pick anyone else up OR cut Niemi, sign Turco, keep everyone else on the roster and possibly sign another 3rd or 4th liner. I believe Bowman made the best possible move he could provided the financial parameters he was given. Let's face it, Niemi was a nobody until 4 months ago. Just hope Turco can stay healthy. If so, he will be solid enough behind a great defense. BTW - to all you cry babies out there...who exactly did we lose on defense? Did we lose anyone from our 1st two lines on offense? No? Oh...
Stop with all the comments on the bandwagon fans. The Blackhawks still lost money with all those "bandwagon fans" What do you people want? The United Center returning to 9,000 people a game.
Turco sucks! He was once a great goalie, but that was then, and this is now. I sure hope the great defense in front of him can overcome the soft goals he routinely lets in!
Contender? The Hawks have no goalie. I don't understand the cap but you sign this arse clown for $1.5 mil when you could of signed Niemi for $2.75 mil? This makes little sense, why clear all that cap room and NOT sign this kid. I would say this is Hasek all over again but when that happened, we still had Belfour.
Who is our starting goalie?????
The defending champs have NO starting goalie!
You better have a plan little Bowman because you are not impressing me so far.
This is retarded. Once we dump Huet we have money for Niemi. Poor planning by Bowman to pay all that money to Campbell and Hossa and not pay 2.75 million to your Stanley Cup winning goaltender or to trade him instead of letting him walk. These guys are gonna fall off harder than the 2005 White Sox. I guess our owner is a Wirtz afterall.
Right back atcha kek, if Niemi is so great, why are the 'Hawks letting him go? You think another NHL team is going to pay him $2.75M?
Stars are a bad team, they are rebuilding as they should, and a veteran goaltender no longer fits into their plans. Turco will be reborn with the 'Hawks stellar D in front of him.
Redwings won for years with a revolving door of mediocre goalies. Turco is every bit as good as guys like Chris Osgood, Mike Vernon, etc.
Tallon would of got a deal one with Neimi,
Bowman's a idiot who only got a job a GM because of his dad.
What a joke Rocky!! Nice PR move Hawks.
I'm with Roman. Turco is definitely an upgrade in skill and endurance in the crease. He is a proven NHLer who will probably have one of his best seasons in the NHL with that D in front of him. Niemi played well but lets remember he rarely went back to back until the playoffs. Huet played a majority of the season until late Feb when the Hawks were scrambling to find a goalie that could stop anything let alone a puck. Niemi accepted the challenge and won the job in the playoffs and was basically spring-fresh after riding the pine during the first 4 months of the reg season. We did not need to take another chance on an over-paid goalie who could possibly have been a flash in the pan (HUET) Turco is the right call. HAWKS will roll in 2010!
Thanks for the breaking news Chris.
Double good news, the bandwagon jumpers will be jumping off. Now they can watch more hockey at home and learn the game.
We'll see you again in Spring when the Hawks make the playoffs again and defend their Cup.
OMG Roman! You can't be serious. If Turdco was so great why didn't the Stars keep him? If the Hawks offered Niemi 3yr/8 mil that is 2.66/yr. The arbitration award was 2.75 so clearly the Hawks could have kept Niemi. This is yet another blunder by management, whose contracts with Huet,Campbell,etc created this mess in the first place!
Wow wow wow. I can't believe the 'Hawks pulled this off. Marty Turco for $1.75M??? 'Hawks just upgraded the goaltender position AND gained $1M for depth.
Stanely Cup repeat, here we come!
Susan - its not really that big a deal. Its actually almost a wash. Turco is a decent to slightly above average goalie (although getting up there in years). Niemi is a decent to slightly above average goalie as well (and may or may not have an upside). Niemi looked better than he actually played in several games due to the back line, not necessarily his prowess in the net. He did have some good games, so I won't take that away from him, but he also had some stinkers. Much rather have the core players that they have signed (Kane, Toews, Hossa, etc...) than Niemi.
Turco was a good goalie, key word WAS. He is past his prime while Niemi is a young goalie that had a great Cup run. I'm no bandwagon jumper, season ticket holder for 23 years and this move disgusts me. I am sure they are trying to also make room for Kyle Beach, that punk kid took out one of our bright prospects with a fight. Nice move Beach, Olin is now out till November, what is Bowman doing. I know moves had to be made but Turco is not the goalie, and neither is Crawfors that will lead us to another Cup
Niemi is the best goaltender I've ever seen! Of course, I only started watching in May. Who is this Turco guy? Sounds like a bum.
Susan-Seriously...The Cubs went on the cheap??? One of the highest payrolls in MLB, and they are still terrible. I am a life long Cubs fan, but they definetly haven't been going on the cheap in recent years. The Cubs have been doing the exact opposite. Hendry would have thrown him a 7 year 80 mil contract, and sent Kane or Toews to the minors b/c they are too young, and couldn't help the team.
Major f up on the Hawks part...Turco is Huet....as in no big deal.
Strategically, this was the wrong P.R. move by the Hawks.
Keep Niemi and not repeat the cup? Blame it on all the cap hits. The "not my fault" is a plausible excuse.
Drop Niemi and not repeat the cup? Blame it on this decision, especially if Turco has a terrible year.
@ Susan
Get a clue. Were not going on the cheap. We just got a goaltender who is just as good as Niemi and it allows us to keep Sharp or Bolland. Keeping Niemi actually would have made them cheaper.
I hate people who dont understand salary caps.
Chris would it have killed you to throw some stats in your article???
Let me add Mike, Eric and Susan to the list of "fans" who started watching in May or June. It was easy for you to jump on the bandwagon, it will be easy for you to jump off.
Well this really sucks. I hate seeing players jetisoned like this after a championship year. There is so much that goes into winning a championship, you just cannot plug in whatever veteran players you find out there. If it were easy it would not have taken 49 years to win this one! I will buy another Stanley Cup 2010 DVD; it will have to last another 49 years I fear.
Jeff and Larry are clearly bandwagon hockey fans who started watching in May or June.
Turco is one of the best goaltenders in the NHL and a serious UPGRADE. The Stanley Cup champs just got BETTER at a key position. Way to go 'Hawks!
I'm just sick. This kid gave everything he had during the playoff games. Another Chicago team goes on the cheap; that strategy really helped out the Cubs, didn't it? The Blackhawks team vibe has been destroyed. This hurts worse than giving up Byfuglien.
You really have no clue do you Larry. Would the Hawks have let all the guys go if it weren't for the cap? Not a chance. By the way they will not be one and done. They are probably still a top 3 team in the conference and have a lot of young guys that will be stepping up for years to come. This is a team to be reckoned with for a long time.
How often do you end up with a potentially great goaltender, and lose him because of bad money management? Am embarassed to be a Blackhawks fan today.
Once again the cap kills the Hawks. This is strictly a money issue. Turco is a cheaper option, not necessarily a better option.
It is what it is. Team still should be solid contender. This isn't baseball.
There will be no repeat on the west side.
This entire process of shedding these players gives a new meaning to the phrase "One and Done."