RFA's Keep Dropping

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.