Goalie Jonas Hiller signs with Swiss League team

Goaltender Jonas Hiller has decided to leave the NHL, as he’s signed a three year deal with EHC Biel in the Swiss League. This comes after the Calgary Flames decided not to bring the veteran 34 year old back for another season.

Hiller joined the Flames back in 2014-15 and helped the team to the playoffs, despite being eliminated in the first round by his former team, the Anaheim Ducks. However, he struggled in 2015-16, posting a 9-11-1 record ans a .879 save percentage. He was then replaced by Karri Ramo and Niklas Backstrom.

EHC Biel was the worst Swiss-A League team in ’15-’16, according to Hockey DB. This move gives them a veteran goalie who could bounce back and play well. Hiller is not only a native of Switzerland, but has Swiss-A League experience. He was born in Felben Wellhausen, Switzerland, and played in the Swiss-A League for HC Davos and Lausanne.

Meanwhile, the Flames are in deep trouble when it comes to goaltending. Backstrom and Ramo are free agents, Hiller is gone, and Joni Ortio is an RFA. Ortio is probably not a guy they see as their starter, so they’ll have to look for one. Cam Ward and James Reimer are guys that could be possible signings, where as Ondrej Pavelec could be a possible trade acquisition.

Photo Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports