NHL

• Niemi awarded hefty increase in arbitration

  Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Antii Niemi has reportedly been awarded $2.75 million for next season from an arbitrator on Saturday.

  The Chicago Tribune is reporting a significant increase from the $800,000 he made last season as he helped Chicago to its first Stanley Cup championship in 49 years in a six-game victory over Philadelphia.

  The 26-year-old went 26-7-4 with a 2.25 goals against average and a .912 save percentage with seven shutouts over 39 games in the regular season as he won over the top spot held by Cristobal Huet during the campaign.

  In the Stanley Cup run, he went 16-6 with a 2.63 GAA and two shutouts.

  What remains to be seen is if the salary cap-strapped Blackhawks will accept the deal or trade his rights. Chicago has had eight players from last season's roster leave through trade or free agency.

  07/31 18:43:10 ET