Former Blackhawks cup-champions career takes an unexpected turn for the worse

A former Chicago Blackhawks goaltender, and a Stanley Cup Champions career has hit rock bottom..

The Hurricanes have worked out an agreement with their former AHL partner, the Chicago Wolves, to send goaltender Antti Raanta to the minors. Raanta, who previously played for the Chicago Blackhawks, recently signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with Carolina.

Raanta has yet to be in the AHL full time, ever in his 11-year NHL career.

He is set to join Keith Kinkaid in the struggling Wolves' goalie lineup. The Wolves' decision to operate independently this season has not gone well, as they currently hold a 6-13-3 record, placing them near the bottom of the league standings.


Raanta's move to the AHL marks his first appearance at that level since his stint with AHL Tucson during the 2019-20 season, where he played as part of a conditioning period following an injury.

Despite Raanta's solid performance last season with a 2.23 goals-against average (GAA) and a .910 save percentage (SV%) in 27 games, this season has proven challenging. The 34-year-old goaltender, who took a $500,000 pay cut to stay with the Hurricanes, has struggled with a 3.61 GAA and a .854 SV% in 14 games. In a recent game against Nashville, Raanta allowed six goals on 30 shots during an overtime loss, seemingly reaching a breaking point for both the player and the team.