Niittymaki headed to KHL?

by James Mirtle on Jul 8, 2009 2:08 PM CDT in Free Agency Comment 7 comments

More photos » by Fred Chartrand - AP

According to two sources, one in Russia and one in Finland, former Flyers netminder Antero Niittymaki has signed a preliminary contract in the KHL with the Atlant Moscow Oblast. He's essentially taking over the job Ray Emery had overseas, while Emery of course has joined the Flyers.

With several teams still searching for a backup netminder, Niittymaki was one of the top UFA goaltenders available. His former teammate, Martin Biron, is also still looking for a home and will likely have to sign at a steep discount to remain in the NHL.

Niittymaki, meanwhile, will be a candidate to play for Finland at the 2010 Olympics in February.

UPDATE Niittymaki has instead opted to sign a bargain deal with the Lightning and remain in the NHL next season.

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looks like jiri hudler is headed to the KHL too, wings roster is going to look interesting next year

by detroitnick on Jul 8, 2009 2:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

James,

You saw this a month ago. I just saw the email roll off my account where you said, " I think Nittymaki is going to have a hard time finding an NHL job."

Good call.

by cubanpuckstopper on Jul 8, 2009 3:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Damn, I was hoping Devils would get Nitty as a back-up. I like Weekes, but as mostly a locker room presence because the majority of his on-ice play leaves a good amount to be desired.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!

by R_Adragna on Jul 8, 2009 10:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It’s like an overseas trade.

A Nation of Masochists TRUCULENCE!! It's not just a word. It's a way of life.

by furcifer on Jul 8, 2009 11:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Roughly machine-translated from http://allhockey.ru/news/56517/

09.07.2009 10:39 Atlant reached preliminary agreement on a contract with the Finnish goalkeeper Anttero Niittyumyaki, playing in recent years, “Philadelphia.”

Goalkeeper, who this summer unrestricted free agent,. As there are no obstacles to the implementation of the transaction, after settling all the formalities within a few days to announce it officially.

In addition to nominations of Niittyumyaki, Russian team considered options for the invitation, two more famous Goalkeepers: Canadian Kevin Weeks and Swiss Martin Gerber, but the choice was made in favor of a younger Finn.

xxx End of translated test xxx

Apparently the deal is one year, $1M.

This report is the first of any interest, from anywhere I’ve heard for Gerber and/or Weekes.

by cubanpuckstopper on Jul 9, 2009 7:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs