The 35-year-old goalie was 8-6-2 with a 3.78 goals-against average and .887 save percentage in 17 games with the Montreal Canadiens this season.
Niemi, a Vantaa, Finland native who could have become an unrestricted free agent July 1, was told by the Canadiens that he would not be re-signed.
The Canadiens claimed Niemi off waivers from the Florida Panthers on Nov. 14, 2017. He went 7-5-4 with a 2.46 GAA, .929 save percentage and one shutout in 19 games (17 starts) with Montreal last season, filling in for injured starter Carey Price.
Signed by the Chicago Blackhawks as a free agent May 5, 2008, Niemi is 242-140-57 with a 2.57 GAA, .912 save percentage and 36 shutouts in 464 games (443 starts) during 11 NHL seasons with the Canadiens, Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks and Blackhawks.
Niemi is 36-29 with a 2.77 GAA, .905 save percentage and two shutouts in 67 games (65 starts) in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including winning 16 games to help Chicago win the Cup during his first full season in the NHL (2009-10).
