The Antti Niemi signing has drawn a bit of criticism from fans and media but it's a good move for the Dallas Stars and Kari Lehtonen specifically, if just for one simple reason; he's not a backup.
With the Stars signing veteran goaltender, Antti Niemi, the focus on goaltending is readily apparent. To the tune of 10.4 million in cap. Dallas can certainly afford it, but as Steve Dangle was quick to remind Stars fans in his recent podcast, there's always enough cap space until there isn't.
As expensive as it is, regardless of whether Dallas can afford it, it stands in stark contrast to their other signings in recent years; goalies had for cheap who gave Dallas exactly what they paid for.