Earlier today Ducks' GM Bob Murray made his choice about who would be the future guardian of the Anaheim net. Jonas Hiller's contract with the Ducks was extended with a 4-year/$18m deal. This along with the rumblings all around Toronto of major changes to the Leafs organisation to occur today, giant leaps are being made to conclusions. According to Darren Dreger's Tweets, "could be a very interesting today. the Hiller extension may play a role in todays Leafs shake-up."
One of the major flaws in Anaheim payroll is the $6m/year investment in Jean-Sebastien Giguere, a man who has now become the backup netminder for Jonas Hiller. Certainly an undesirable situation for all involved. The 2007 Stanley Cup Champion and 2003 Conn Smythe winner has previously expressed his dissatisfaction with his gradual demotion in SoCal. While his cap hit is unwanted in Anaheim, there are several GM's that would be happy to acquire the moderately priced services of Giguere. One in particular, being Leafs' GM Brian Burke.
Assigned with the unenviable task of steering the monolithic cruise-liner that is the Toronto Maple Leafs back on a course to success, a major step toward that would be changes in goal. The talent of Vesa Toskala in undeniable but the pressure of performing at the Air Canada Centre has proven too much for the once promising puck-stopper. Meanwhile, rookie Jonas Gustavsson has shown flashes of brilliance but is clearly not ready for the starting job in his first NHL season, assisted by a defense that is grossly underperforming. A hungry veteran Champion like Giguere could be the catalyst that settles the nerves of a group of players that, at times resembles the hockey equivalent of beaten step-child.
Likewise, in Anaheim the deal makes sense for a team that hasn't missed the playoffs since the lockout. Moving JS Giguere liberates the cap space the Ducks may need to continue that streak. Thusfar this season they've been underwhelming and are currently sit outside of a very tight, jam-packed playoff race loaded with teams that are tough to beat. Just ask the Wings -- moving up in the Western Conference is not easy and help will certainly be required if the streak of playoff hockey in the O.C. is to continue. One would suspect Bob Murray is eyeing off a deal for an offensive-minded defenseman to compliment his talented group of forwards. One thing however, is for sure; a void was left when Chris Pronger left and it needs to be filled.
One of the major flaws in Anaheim payroll is the $6m/year investment in Jean-Sebastien Giguere, a man who has now become the backup netminder for Jonas Hiller. Certainly an undesirable situation for all involved. The 2007 Stanley Cup Champion and 2003 Conn Smythe winner has previously expressed his dissatisfaction with his gradual demotion in SoCal. While his cap hit is unwanted in Anaheim, there are several GM's that would be happy to acquire the moderately priced services of Giguere. One in particular, being Leafs' GM Brian Burke.
Assigned with the unenviable task of steering the monolithic cruise-liner that is the Toronto Maple Leafs back on a course to success, a major step toward that would be changes in goal. The talent of Vesa Toskala in undeniable but the pressure of performing at the Air Canada Centre has proven too much for the once promising puck-stopper. Meanwhile, rookie Jonas Gustavsson has shown flashes of brilliance but is clearly not ready for the starting job in his first NHL season, assisted by a defense that is grossly underperforming. A hungry veteran Champion like Giguere could be the catalyst that settles the nerves of a group of players that, at times resembles the hockey equivalent of beaten step-child.
Likewise, in Anaheim the deal makes sense for a team that hasn't missed the playoffs since the lockout. Moving JS Giguere liberates the cap space the Ducks may need to continue that streak. Thusfar this season they've been underwhelming and are currently sit outside of a very tight, jam-packed playoff race loaded with teams that are tough to beat. Just ask the Wings -- moving up in the Western Conference is not easy and help will certainly be required if the streak of playoff hockey in the O.C. is to continue. One would suspect Bob Murray is eyeing off a deal for an offensive-minded defenseman to compliment his talented group of forwards. One thing however, is for sure; a void was left when Chris Pronger left and it needs to be filled.
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