Jonas Hiller slowly started taking over the starting position last season for the Anaheim Ducks, and this season has seemingly locked down the position. With the Ducks employing a "he who wins, plays" system for their goaltenders, Hiller has claimed the position as his own with 21 wins and a 2.75 goals-against average. With Hiller facing free agency this summer, the Ducks have locked down who looks like their goaltender-of-the-future.
Ducks Sign Goaltender Jonas Hiller To Four-Year Contract Extension
“This is a very exciting day for me personally,” said Hiller. “Anaheim has been a great place for me to play, and I couldn’t be happier to stay here.”
The deal will keep Hiller with the Ducks through the 2013-14 season.
“Jonas has proved himself as a starting NHL goaltender,” said executive vice president and general manager Bob Murray. “We expect him to only get better and are pleased he’s committed to us for four more seasons.”
While specifics of the deal were not released, it's being reported that the four-year extension is worth $18 million. This means that the Anaheim Ducks now have over $10 million locked up in goaltenders next season, with Jean-Sebastien Giguere being owed $6 million in the final year of his contract.
Giguere, the Conn Smythe winner who single-handedly led the Ducks to a Stanley Cup victory in 2003, is seemingly on the downslope of his career. After a career-best 2.12 GAA and .922 save percentage in the 2007-08 season, Giguere has struggled in two straight seasons. He saw his workload decrease last season, and then lost his starting role in the 2009 playoffs.
This season, Giguere is just 4-8-5 with a 3.15 GAA. The writiing is seemingly on the wall now for Giguere, as it is almost certain that the Ducks will try and move the veteran to free up cap space. This will be a tough task, as the 32 year old is owed $6 million next season.
See More:
