The General Manager Corner: Free Agent Goalies

May 16, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller (1) makes a save against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period in game seven of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Jonas Hiller

Other than Miller he’s the only goalie on this list with a legitimate claim to be a number one next season.  He has put up solid numbers in his career and is often overlooked due to playing with the balanced Ducks.

This season was a bit of a whirl wind for Hiller who was the starter, then lost his job, then the starter, and then lost his job again in the playoffs.  It seems likely that the Ducks will go with the inexperienced duo of Frederik Andersen and John Gibson for next season.  Andersen already inked a two-year extension early in the season and Gibson is being hyped as the next great goalie.  There doesn’t appear to be any room for Hiller.

Hiller will never be an elite goalie, but gives a workman-like effort and will give his team a chance to win more often than not.  He’s coming off a season where he made $4.5 million and will be hard-pressed to get more than that in this market where there appears to be too many quality goalies for only a handful of spots.

The General Manager Prediction: someone will recognize that Hiller is an upgrade over their current goalie and since the goalie market overall is suppressed, will be able to get Hiller at a reasonable price.  That someone will be the Calgary Flames who are in need of a number one goalie to get the bulk of starts over Karri Ramo.  Ramo was serviceable in 40 games this past season, but Hiller can start 55 games and give the Flames a legitimate number one.  Figure a four-year contract at a total of $18 million seals the deal.

Darkhorse team: Washington Capitals