The Anaheim Ducks have ensured the long-term future of one member of their goaltending tandem whilst casting the future of the other in doubt.

Ducks management today announced the re-signing of Jonas Hiller to a four-year, $18 million contract which begins in 2010-11. 

Hiller, 27, earned a substantial raise over his currently $1.3 million per season salary, which breaks down as $4.5 million against the Ducks salary cap.

He was eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer so it was to the Ducks' advantage to re-sign him now rather than risk his asking price going up later in the year.

Hiller took over the role of starting goaltender from J.S. Giguere midway through last season, a role he has shown no sign of relinquishing  in 2009-10, with 21 wins, a 2.75 goals-against average and .916 save percentage. 

This signing will push the Ducks payroll for next season to nearly $40 million committed to 17 players, with restricted free agents Bobby Ryan and James Wisniewski to re-sign (both of whom will be due significant raises) as well as potential unrestricted free agents like Scott Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu to consider. 

Hiller's signing casts into question Giguere's future with the Ducks.

Giguere has one season remaining at $7 million although the cap hit is $6 million but he's lost playing time to Hiller and while he hasn't made waves he clearly isn't happy about being a backup. 

It's possible the Ducks could attempt to trade Giguere either by the trade deadline or in the off-season or perhaps buy out the remaining year of his contract in June.  

- Buffalo 5 Montreal 4 (SO): An entertaining matchup between two fast, exciting teams. The Habs came away from this learning a valuable lesson: a two goal lead late in the game isn't safe against the Sabres. This is a team that never quits. Habs fans can breathe easy over the status of Saku Koivu, who scored twice and appeared to have no problems with his left eye. 

- Vancouver 3 Columbus 2: The Jackets also learned not to relax with a two goal lead last night, but they also learned another lesson: goalie Pascal LeClaire can't do it all defensively on his own. His defense spoiled a 41 save performance. LeClaire deserved better.  As for the Canucks, looks like concerns over the Sedins repeating their strong play last season were unfounded, as they've looked impressive in the team's first two games.

- Florida 8 Boston 3: Panthers fans must be positively giddy this morning over the play of Todd Bertuzzi, who had a goal and four points in Florida's demolition of the hapless Bruins. As for the B's, this is one season opener they won't look back on fondly. They were actually in this thing for a while, down 3-2 at one point before giving up five goals.

- New Jersey 4 Carolina 0: It's only early in the season but two things seem apparent: the Devils salary cap antics were no distraction for its roster, and the Hurricanes may be feeling the dreaded Stanley Cup hangover. The 'Canes had a dreadful first period and finding themselves in a 3-0 hole early that they couldn't get out of.

- Anaheim 4 Los Angeles 3: Another entertaining matchup, with two notable stories emerging in this one. First, JS Giguere still wants to be the Ducks starting goalie, turning aside 41 shots for the win. Kings rookie Anze Kopitar had a great start, potting two of his clubs three goals.