Mon May 5 14:56:45 2008

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Blackhawks agree to terms with Finnish goaltender

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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with Finnish goaltender Antti Niemi.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Niemi posted a record of 26-6-14 with a 2.35 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage in 49 games last season with Pelicans of the Finnish Elite League.

"Antti is one of the top European goaltenders and had been courted by the majority of NHL teams," said Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon. "We like his size, athleticism, ability and the depth that this gives us at this position. We're thrilled to add a young talent like Niemi to our stable of prospects."

The 24-year-old Niemi notched a mark of 56-44-29 with a 2.71 GAA over the past three seasons with Pelicans.