Stars place Niemi on waivers for buyout purposes
Antti Niemi's days as a member of the Dallas Stars are numbered.
The club placed the veteran netminder on waivers Monday for the purpose of a buyout, the team confirmed.
Niemi's buyout is two thirds of remaining $4.5 million. Cost is $3.0 million spread out over two seasons or $1.5 million cap hit for 2 years
— Mike Heika (@MikeHeika) June 26, 2017
The news comes after general manager Jim Nill stated on Friday that he planned to get rid of a goaltender this week.
Niemi has one year left remaining on his contract, but with Ben Bishop now in the fold and set to be the club's No. 1, the team needed to make room with Kari Lehtonen also signed through next season at $5.9 million.
The 33-year-old had a miserable season finishing last among all goaltenders with at least 25 games played with a 3.30 GAA and second last with an .892 save percentage.
HEADLINES
- 'He blew it': Cassidy irked after ref's non-call precedes Oilers' OT winner
- Have the Maple Leafs actually figured this whole playoffs thing out? Maybe
- Capitals laud Wilson's big Game 2: 'When we need a spark, he's there'
- Which remaining NHL head coaching vacancy is most appealing?
- 2025 World Championship tracker: Werenski joins U.S. roster