Antti Niemi Trade

The San Jose Sharks have signed former Chicago Blackhawks goalie, Antti Niemi, to a one year deal worth a little over $2 million. As many San Jose Sharks fans are quick to remember, Antti Niemi was the sole reason why the Chicago Blackhawks kicked the San Jose Sharks out of the playoffs last spring, and took the Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup victory.

Although Niemi was only suppose to be a backup goalie for the Chicago Blackhawks last season, he went on to get 7 shutouts, an astounding .912 save percentage and only allowed an average of 2.25 goals against.

NHL Betting Odds

The NHL training camp starts on September 17th, and the San Jose Sharks are hoping that their recent change in net will be the difference between a long playoff run and not, this upcoming NHL season. The Sportsbook.com online sportsbook currently has the San Jose Sharks favored at 14/1 betting odds to win the 2011 Stanley Cup.