With the Stanley Cup Finals over (Congrats Boston), it's time to look for the future. That means next year. Who's in and who is out. Lets start with the Goalie situation, because it's clouded up.
Antti Neimi - Signed a 4 year extension - He's now the goalie of the future. And he deserves it. He played better than I had expected. And he has outplayed his counterpart
Antero Nittimaki - 1 year left - He didn't hide his frustration when Niemi signed his contract. He knows this isn't the right place for him now. With a $2 mil salary this year, it's a good bet he'll be traded.
Thomas Greiss - UFA - The 3rd wheel on this bicycle. He too didn't hid his frustration when Niemi signed a 1 year contract at the beginning of the year. Also he was the odd man out in Worcester, the minor league team. Ended up in Germany, and returned to San Jose for the playoffs. Being a UFA, he's headed back to Europe.
Harri Satari - He's gonna continue to develop in the minors. With Stalock recovering, he's the number 1 man.
Alex Stalock - Got his first NHL Win. Then went back and got cut by a skate. And he's on rehab. They say the injury is a long term recovery. So he might not be ready next year for the NHL.
Others: JP Anderson, Jordan White, Carter Hutton, any and all other amateur goalies.
So in reality, The Starter is Solid. And the backup goalie position is up for grabs. if Nitty is moved, I don't think the Sharks have a strong backup in the system. Niemi is young; I think a strong veteran goalie is needed to lean on from time to time. Someone with experience like Chris Osgood, but NOT Chris Osgood. Nabokov? (Conspiracy! Conspiracy!)
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