Niittymaki likely plays there the rest of the season.
Antero Niittymaki News
Niittymaki going back to the AHL is a clear sign that the Sharks don't trust him to even backup at the NHL level.
Nittymaki likely stays in the AHL on his conditioning stint. In five games down in Worchester, the veteran is 2-3-0 with a 3.01 GAA and .890 SV%.
Nittymaki was unable to be traded but may get another chance as a waiver claim.
Niittymaki remains the third man on the Sharks depth chart and could be moved in order to solve the three-headed monster. He has no fantasy hockey value at this point.
Considering the Sharks have three NHL-caliber goalies, Niittymaki goes to the minors for some extra work. He likely plays the maximum two weeks.
Stay tuned for a corresponding move as the Sharks now have a three-headed monster between the pipes.
When Niittymaki gets back from his conditioning assignment the Sharks will have a three-headed monster to tend to.
Sounds like Niittymaki will come off the IR and could be going down to Worchester for a conditioning stint. It will be interesting to see what the team does with their new three-headed monster.
The team will wait until all three goalies are healthy before making any decisions or roster moves. Expect Niittymaki to hold some value as a spot starter for the Sharks.
Niittymaki last played in last year's playoffs and remains a ways off from returning. Thomas Greiss will continue to man the backup job while the Finnish backup recovers.
Niittymaki expects to return relatively soon and should reclaim his job as the team's backup. Nevertheless, expect Antti Niemi to keep his job for the foreseeable future.
At this point there is no reason to own Antero Niittymaki as his status remains indefinite.
Niittymaki getting back on the ice is a welcome sign. His last NHL appearance came back on April 23rd when he relieved Antti Niemi in the playoffs.
Should Niemi not be able to play, the Sharks will be down two goalies. Last season, the former Cup winning 'tender posted a 35-18-6 record with a 2.36 GAA and .920 SV%. Look for Harri Sateri or Thomas Greiss to start the season in goal should Nemo not recover in time.
Certainly not a boon for his fantasy value. Niittymaki went 12--7-3 with a 2.71 GAA and .896 SV% over 24 appearances for the Sharks. Look for Thomas Greiss or Harri Sateri to start the season as the team's backup.
Niittymaki played only three games in 2011 which worries the local media. He should be able to prove once training camp starts whether he is fully healthy, or not. If not, look for Thomas Greiss to play around 20 tilts for the Sharks.