Antero Niittymaki Signs in San Jose

The goaltending position for the Sharks has been a source of constant speculation for the entire offseason, but San Jose put an end to all the questions in net, signing Antero Niittymaki to a two-year, $4 million dollar contract today.

“Goaltender Antero Niittymaki is now a member of the San Jose Sharks.

The 30-year-old Finn signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the team on Thursday.

Niittymaki was 21-18-5 with the Lightning last season, registering a 2.87 GAA and a .909 save percentage.

He was drafted by the Flyers 168th overall in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.” {TSN.ca}

More than anything, this signals a vote of confidence in the Sharks young prospect in goal, Thomas Greiss. The German keeper impressed during his few starts behind starter Evgeni Nabokov, winning seven games while recording a .912 save percentage. His play for Team Germany was solid as well, although, needless to say, the Germans didn’t have as good of a supporting cast as the Sharks. This deal sets up a bit of competition for the starting gig, and most importantly, at two million a year, keeps the fiscal investment manageable.

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