Earlier this week, news reports said goaltender Antero Niittymaki would be joining the Russian Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). This was after the Philadelphia Flyers did not extend him an offer.
Now, talk of the Lightning extending an offer to a goaltender has turned from speculation to decrees of all-but-done. Is Antero Niittymaki joining the Bolts as the new #2 netminder behind Mike Smith? How much of an affect does this have on your confidence in the Lightning’s goaltending situation?
Mike Smith’s Post Concussion Syndrom has lead to questions, if not worries. With PCS symptoms lingering well after the incident, how much could this hurt Smith in the long run, if not this upcoming season alone? Karri Ramo‘s departure to the KHL did not help as he was to be the #2 netminder by default.
Updated Friday July 10th: The story was first published with the news creeping out about Antero’s imminent signing. There was a brouhaha that caused a delay in that happening — though I’m not aware what the truth to that is. There is and was speculation this was an issue with getting Niitymaki out of his KHL deal but today Antero told the press that no contract with the KHL had been signed.
Now? Niitymaki is officially in the fold with the Lighting. It’s supposed to be a one year deal… with salary being $600K, but official word on the numbers have not come out yet.
