NHL Trade Rumors: Sharks Goalie Antero Niittymaki Being Shopped Around
If your team is looking for a new netminder, or at least a good backup, look no further than the San Jose Sharks and Antero Niittymaki.
He hasn't played yet this season, but it looks as if the Sharks are going to start shopping him around as he is being sent on a "conditioning assignment."
According to ESPN Insider hockey rumors, Niittymaki has apparently grownย frustratedย with his role on the Sharksโwhich has been not playing, mind youโand his time with the organization looks to be done:
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"It appearsย Antero Niittymaki's time with theย San Jose Sharksย is over. The Finnish netminder was growing frustrated, and now it appears he is on his way out.
As San Jose rink-side reporter Brodie Brazil points out, Niittymaki no longer has a stall in the team's locker room. And ESPN's Craig Custance reports that the goalieย will be playing Friday and Saturday in Worcester. That will give interested teams a chance to see that he's good to go if they want to make a play for him.
"
Is was reported in September that Niittymaki would have to undergoย surgery to help him with lingering pain due to a lower-body injury. He hasn't seen NHL game-ice since then, but has done one stint already in Worcester.
Sending him down andย shoppingย him around makes the msot sense, considering he has a stellar No. 1 goalie in Antti Niemi, and a solid backup in Thomas Greiss ahead of him.
If Niittymaki is healthy, this gives him the best chance to showcase himselfโfor all intents and purposes, that is exactly what the Sharks are trying to accomplish here.
If teams are interested in him, they are going to want to know he's healthy.
This is where he can prove he's a viable player.
It's not as if the Sharks need him right now, so at this point the best option for both parties is to shop him around and see what he can bring back.
It's a win-win situation.
The Sharks can get some value in return for him, and perhaps if he lands in a favorable situation, Niittymaki can find some playing time this season.
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