Jonas Hiller, Andrew Ebbett Extend Contracts with Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks today announced the re-signing of backup goaltender Jonas Hiller. Hiller was signed to a two-year contract extension through the 2009-2010 NHL season. Although financial terms were not disclosed, Hiller is expected to be making upwards of $850,000 a year.

The 26-year-old goaltender made his Ducks and NHL debut in 2007-2008 with a 10 win, seven loss, and one tie record. Hiller had a 2.06 goals-against average (GAA) and .927 save % in 23 games. Hiller had the second best GAA in the NHL after March 1, compiling an 8-4-0 record in his final 12 starts.

Hiller began to stand out for the Ducks during the remaining regular season games when Hiller became the starter while Jean-Sebastien Giguere was injured. The Swiss born Hiller is a fantastic back-up and could easily handle the number 1 job.

Hiller originally joined the Ducks on May 25, 2007 as a free agent. The 6-2, 196-pound net minder spent the 2006-2007 season with Davos of the Swiss National League. With Davos, Hiller posted a 28 win, 16 loss, and no ties record in 44 games. During that span Hiller recorded a 2.60 GAA.

Thanks in part to Hiller’s great goaltending, Davos won the Swiss National League and Spengler Cup championships. During this time, Hiller was voted Best Goalie in the Swiss League. In 141 career Swiss National League appearances, Hiller owns an 80-52-10 record with 16 shutouts and a 2.53 GAA.

With the Ducks having resigned Hiller, now the free agent focus fully turns to forward Corey Perry.

In other Ducks news, The Ducks also annouced the signing of Andrew Ebbett to a two year contract extention. The 25 year old center appeared in 74 games for the Portland Pirates, the former AHL affiliate of the Ducks.

Ebbett recorded 18 goals, 54 assists for a total of 72 points. Ebbett also recorded 66 penalty minutes in those 74 games. He ranked sixth in the AHL in assists and helped lead the Pirates to the Eastern Conference Finals. Ebbett recorded 17 points in 16 Calder Cup playoff games.

Ebbett is one of the forwards expected to be battling for a regular spot in Anaheim come training camp. If Ebbett does find a home in Iowa, he will surely continue to develop as a great player.

For more information this offseason on Anaheim Ducks signings be sure to check out The Puck Drop: Your Source for Everything Anaheim Ducks.

Source and Image: Courtesy of ducks.nhl.com