Antti Raanta got his day with the Stanley Cup — but not his name on it.
The 26-year-old played 14 games for the Cup champions in 2014-15, yet the Chicago Blackhawks did not submit the backup goaltender’s name to be etched on the trophy.
Relegated to third string on the Hawks’ goaltending depth chart and traded to the New York Rangers in the off-season, Raanta accompanied the team throughout the playoffs but never saw any ice time.
The retired Daniel Carcillo never dressed during Chicago’s post-season run, either, but the Blackhawks petitioned to have his — and seldom-used defenceman Joakim Nordstrom’s — name included among the 27 added to the chalice.
Raanta did, however, spend a day with the Cup in his hometown of Rauma. He backstopped the Blackhawks to seven wins last season, posting an impressive .936 save percentage, but was sent down the AHL when Chicago chose to dress Scott Darling as its No. 2 down the stretch.
Earlier this month, Raanta denied a report out of Finland that quoted him as saying he was rooting against the Blackhawks in Round 1 so that he could go home early.
Another absent name noticed by fans is that of equipment manager Clint Reif, who died mid-season. Reif’s name does appear under the Blackhawks’ 2010 and 2013 championship engravings.
