The Chicago Blackhawks have apparently walked away from the $2.75 million contract that was awarded to Antti Niemi in arbitration, which will make the Stanley Cup-winning goalie an unrestricted free agent.

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the team made the decision on Monday.

Instead, the Blackhawks have reportedly signed veteran netminderMarty Turco to a one-year, $1.3 million contract.

The team will conduct a conference call on Monday afternoon where they will discuss its decision.

"Of course it would be a loss (to lose Niemi), but the nature of sports is that change does happen," said Blackhawks' general manager Stan Bowman last Thursday, prior to the arbitration award. "My job is to try and find a way to make things work if that's a necessity. You kind of have to embrace change and realize it's an opportunity for somebody else."

TSN