MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens have signed goaltender Antti Niemi on a one-year, one-way contract worth US$950,000.
Niemi, 34, was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
The native of Vantaa, Finland, posted a 7-5-4 record, 2.46 goals-against average, .929 save percentage and one shutout in 19 games with the Canadiens in 2017-18 while backing up starter Carey Price. He made five appearances earlier in the season with Pittsburgh and Florida, posting an 0-4 record.
In 24 games with Montreal, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Florida Panthers in 2017-18, he compiled a 7-9-4 record, 3.12 goals-against average, and .911 save percentage.
Niemi has appeared in 447 NHL contests with Chicago, San Jose, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Florida and Montreal. He holds a 234-134-55 record, 2.52 goals-against average, and .913 save percentage to go along with 36 shutouts.
Niemi won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010.
The Canadian Press