"The Blackhawks' salary cap difficulties took another hit Friday, as the San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson to a four-year, $14 million offer sheet.

The Hawks have seven days to match the offer of $3.5 million per season but with negotiations continuing with fellow restricted free agent goaltender Antti Niemi, the team may have to choose between two players who helped them capture their first Stanley Cup since 1961.

"It always comes as a surprise when you get an offer like that, especially from a team such as San Jose," said Kevin Epp, Hjlamarsson's agent. "It's a great opportunity. I'm sure we'll still talk to Chicago. They do have seven days to match. At this point we haven't spoken with them in regards to the offer sheet."

Hjlamarsson, 23, came into his own this season and had two goals and 15 assists during the regular season and a goal and seven assists during the Hawks' run to the NHL championship.

"We feel Niklas is a top-three defenseman in the National Hockey League," Sharks GM Doug Wilson said. "We saw his abilities first-hand in the playoffs last season and he was an important piece of a Stanley Cup-winning team. He is a solid player that would be a good fit on our team now and in the future."

Epp said he expects to hear from Hawks general manager Stan Bowman within the next seven days to determine if the Hawks will match the offer."