SAN JOSESharks goalie Antero Niittymaki will play for the teams AHL affiliate in Worcester this weekend, the club announced on Thursday morning.
General manager Doug Wilson said: Hell play the two games down there. The other big component is weve got Alex Stalock back healthy this weekend. We were just waiting for him to get back. Niitty will play two games, and well go from there.
The league allows a maximum of 14 days for a conditioning assignment, and Niittymaki played in Worcester from Dec. 12-23. Wilson mentioned this current conditioning assignment had to be approved by the league.
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Niittymaki has yet to play or dress as the backup in the 12 games since he returned while recovering from offseason hip surgery, and admitted his frustration earlier this month.
Obviously, yeah. What can I say? Obviously, I want to play, but it doesnt look like Im going to play any time soon, Niittymaki told Comcast SportsNet California on Jan. 9.
Stalock, who suffered a career-threatening nerve injury nearly a year ago, is expected to play for the Sharks ECHL affiliate in Stockton within the next few days.
Worcester plays on Friday in Providence; Saturday at home against Providence and Sunday at home vs. St. Johns.