More and more RFA's are choosing to sign rather than enter arbitration.  Here are the latest notables, via NHL.com:

Matt Moulson, New York Islanders - 30G 18A 48Pts - 1 year, $2.45 million

Gilbert Brule, Edmonton Oilers - 17 G 20A 37Pts - 2 years, $1.85 million per

Tomas Fleischmann, Washington Capitals - 23G 28A 51Pts - 1 year, $2.6 million

But according to the Chicago Tribune, Antti Niemi will be heading to his arbitration hearing tomorrow morning at 8 AM:

With each passing hour and no deal, it's becoming apparent the Hawks and goaltender Antti Niemi will meet at 8 a.m. Thursday for their scheduled salary arbitration hearing Depending on the decision of the arbitrator, the Hawks could be looking for a new netminder when they defend their first Stanley Cup since 1961.

Niemi is likely to be seeking between $3 million and $4 million while the Hawks probably are thinking closer to $2 million.

Apparently, Stan Bowman was available for comment.  He's still trying to figure out how to be a General Manager.

I just wanted to post this picture again.

I'm wondering if he's taking such a hard stance about getting rid of Sharp.  But in all honesty - who is more important to that franchise?  But just what the hell will Chicago do if they let Niemi walk?

They can't afford to pay Niemi between $3-4 million, they simply can't.  So then if he walks, does Huet become the #1 guys (again)?  That would make me happy.

I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Comments (7)

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written by Twig, July 28, 2010

even if they make huet the #1, they still have to lose someone important to fill gaps. what a great summer.

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written by NA, July 28, 2010

So then if he walks, does Huet become the #1 guys (again)? That would make me happy.

Honestly, I think Huet is their best option. He's not worth $5+ mil cap hit, but he's as reliable as any other available goaltender, Niemi included.

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written by Lauren H, July 28, 2010

Let's say the arbitrator says Niemi should make $4 million. Then let's say it's too rich for Chicago's blood and they dump him.

Does that mean *every* team that now has a shot at signing Niemi has to pay him the $4 million? Or is that only between Niemi and Chicago? Could he sign somewhere else for less/more if Chicago dumps him?

If he is awarded $4 million and that counts for every team, it seems to me like nobody would want him for that much.

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written by bobbobrobbob, July 28, 2010

lauren h, niemi would become a free agent and therefore would have to negociate a new price with another team. however, he will probably not take any less than what an arbitrator awards him.

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written by Garth, July 28, 2010

however, he will probably not take any less than what an arbitrator awards him.

He will if he wants to play. The ONLY place he'll make whatever the arbitrator awards is if Chicago accepts it.

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written by Jimbo5203, July 29, 2010

Just commenting on that pic...cracks me up everytime...be interesting to see how he does with the new thigh rise rules. Much like Giguere who seemed to look alot bigger years ago but now has fallen off the wagon with smaller equipment sanctions. Lundquist in NY is another one im wondering how he'll adjust to smaller thigh rise rules. Either way,hope we rub chicagos face in it and ruin their banner night.

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written by Mother Canucker, July 30, 2010

Mayson Raymond re-signed with the Canucks too. At a little bit more than I would have liked. Putting them over the cap. Anyone looking for an Over-paid defenseman or 3?

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