Chicago Blackhawks Goalie Corey Crawford Clears Waivers

Earlier this week, the Chicago Blackhawks made their roster cuts before beginning their regular season against the Florida Panthers in Helsinki, Finland.

Perhaps the two biggest surprises when the final roster was announced were that forward Jack Skille did not make the roster, while coach Joel Quenneville decided to keep three goalies.

Last summer's big money addition, Cristobal Huet, will be the No. 1 goaltender this season in the wake of Nikolai Khabibulin's departure. But the backup role that he was well overpaid to serve in last year was open to either Anti Niemi or Corey Crawford.

When the roster was released, all three goaltenders' names were on it.

Then came a press conference where Quenneville mentioned that one of the goalies was placed on waivers. Various media outlets reported late Thursday that Crawford had cleared waivers.

Crawford has long been referred to by members of the Hawks organization as the goalie of the team's future. Indeed, last summer the Hawks tried to sell Khabibulin to a Russian club team during training camp because it appeared they wanted Crawford to back up Huet.

Now it appears Niemi has gained favor with the organization. The change from Dale Tallon to Stan Bowman as general manager likely played a role in their newfound appreciation for Niemi.

It also appears Crawford's days as the future in net for Chicago are numbered.

Both Crawford and Niemi signed new contracts before this season. Niemi's is a one-year contract, while Crawford's is good for two.

With the Hawks looking at the need to do some substantial offseason spending next summer (Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Andrew Ladd, and Duncan Keith are all free agents), these goalie deals are likely motivated by money as well.

Either way, Crawford being placed on, and then clearing, waivers is a strong indication that his future and that of the Blackhawks have apparently changed courses.