It is hard to imagine the Anaheim Ducks without Jonas Hiller Between the pipes. However the emergence of Viktor Fasth and the rise of John Gibson have made the the idea of moving Hiller a much more attractive idea.
Fasth is signed through the 2014-15 season and is coming off his first season in the NHL. The 30-year-old Swede appeared in 25 games, starting 23 of them and compiled a 15-6-2 . Not to mention he was unbeaten in his first 11 career NHL starts. Comparatively, Hiller started 25 games and finished 15-6-4. Despite similar win/loss records, Fasth's overall numbers where far superior statistically. He completed the 2012-13 season with a 2.18 goals against average. .921 save percentage and four shutouts.
All this on the heels of a successful career in Sweden that included back-to-back Honken Trophy wins for best goalie and a silver medal in the 2011 worlds where he was named the tournaments MVP and best goalie.
Fasth made such an impression on Anaheim's up management that he was given a 2-year $5.8 million extension in the middle of the season. Meanwhile, Hiller will be entering the final year of his deal that will pay him $4.5 million in 2013-14.
Anaheim has 19 players under contract for next season and about $8.5 million in cap space. Another $4.5 million sure would be nice. If Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu are done, the Ducks need to bring in replacements. Although I like Anaheim's young depth, it doesn't hurt to have the flexibility to sign or bring in another bonafide NHL player; especially at center.
Additionally, how can anybody ignore what John Gibson is doing? The 19-year-old led the United States to a gold medal in the 2013 World Junior Champions before backstopping the U.S. to its first medal (bronze) at the IIHF Word Championships since 2004 against real NHL players. He is the worlds best goalie prospect and he belongs to the Ducks. This is good news people.
I know most people think I'm nuts when I bring this topic up, but it has to be discussed folks. Anaheim was upset in the first round of the playoffs by the number seven seeded Detroit Red Wings. Hiller started every game. Maybe the outcome is different with Fasth in net?
Once the Ducks opened up their wallets to retain both Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf they also opened themselves up to second guesses and criticism. There are plenty of teams looking for goalie depth right now, so why not make a move now? The Ducks will more than likely will decide to keep Jonas heading into the season, but given his injury history it makes more sense to made a deal while we know he is relatively healthy.
I believe Anaheim must address this situation before it becomes a distraction. What do you think? Keep or trade?
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