Another goalie decision awaits

Now that Jonas Hiller has capably filled the role of backup goaltender much the way Ilya Bryzgalov did the previous two seasons, the Ducks will have to find a way to secure the Swiss netminder for next season.

Hiller, who can become a restricted free agent in July, is signed only for this season at a reasonable $850,000, and his performance in relief of Jean-Sebastien Giguere would suggest a possible raise might be in the works.

In his first NHL season, Hiller, 26, has compiled a 9-7-1 record with a 2.07 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage in 22 games.

But Hiller’s situation is different than what Bryzgalov faced. Bryzgalov knew that once the Ducks signed Giguere to a long-term contract extension after last season, there would be no chance at No. 1. He asked to be allowed to win that job elsewhere. He is now with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Hiller isn’t there yet.

“I don’t think I’m ready to be a No. 1 right away,” he said. “It could work out. We’ve got a great team and everything, so I don’t really want to rush it. It would be an option for sure. But I’m not thinking that somebody will give me a contract as a No. 1 goalie right away.”

Hiller said he has been told by management that any talks on a new contract will have to come after the season. Most likely, he’ll have to wait until the Ducks address a new deal for leading goal scorer Corey Perry, who can also become a restricted free agent in July.

The ideal scenario, Hiller said, would be to “play a few more games than this season and get a good deal the year after.”

General Manage Brian Burke said he doesn’t foresee a problem retaining Hiller and would not speculate if the goalie would become the target of an offer sheet in the manner that winger Dustin Penner was last summer.

Burke credited goaltending consultant Francois Allaire with finding Hiller, who became the top goaltender in the Swiss Elite League.

“We intend to re-sign Jonas,” Burke said. “He has performed well and been an excellent teammate.”

Rookie center Ryan Carter said there’s an outside chance that he could be ready for this weekend’s games against the Kings and Phoenix but it may be more likely that he’ll be cleared for the playoffs next week.

Carter has been out since Feb. 20 because of a broken right wrist.

“Any extra time is good,” Carter said. “But I’m itching to get back in there. It’s been about six weeks.”

Said Coach Randy Carlyle: “Hopefully there’s no setbacks. We’ll have to wait and see.”

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