Dear J.S. Giguere:
It has come to our attention that you again do not want to be a backup goalie or basically you will retire. I understand that you have played really well for the Ducks and even have won a Stanley Cup and a Conn Smythe in 2003. You do have to realistically realize that you have to approve any trade that comes your way as you agreed to that with Anaheim so you could guarantee easy medical care for your son. I respect that part of it and understand it as well.
However the NHL is a business. The fact of the matter is that last year you attributed your lack of performance to the massive upheaval in your personal life and again we, the NHL fan, understood. When families members die and/or nearly die…it does something to an individual. No one denies that but again the NHL is a what have you done for me lately league. There is an heir apparent in Jonas Hiller who clearly has taken the reins in Anaheim. His performance had to remind you of yourself in 2003 and if not for a few lucky breaks…Anaheim may have gotten to the Finals again. Hiller was Conn Smythe worthy and though the Ducks are off to a rough start. He clearly has assumed the #1 position.
Your body is sadly not 23 anymore. Though only 32…you never have been able to play more than 65 games in a season and that was 7 years ago. Since then, your numbers have still been very good but your games played has gone down. Backups have had to take at least a 1/4 to a 1/3 of your starts then last year completely take the #1 role heading into the playoffs. Even the playoffs have been an issue for you as you have missed some games in the past.
How are we supposed to rely on you anymore? Your 3.65 GAA and .895 save percentage is not exactly all that great. Last year’s numbers were only a hair better at 1 over .500 with a 3.10 GAA and .900 save percentage. Now I understand the Ducks have been extremely undisciplined and porous (particularly at home). However, Mr. Hiller’s numbers have improved mostly because he has played better of late (2.76 GAA and .919 save percentage). The reality is you have been passed on the depth chart and that is a bitter pill to swallow especially for a player who is still relatively young from a games played standpoint.
Truly this is a sad day for you and your family. You just returned from a groin injury and appear to have the “showcase” tag placed on you by management. That has to hurt for a goalie who has accomplished quite a bit in the NHL. This day has been a long time coming….a day where an open letter declaring your days numbered in Anaheim has been formally written by fans and who knows probably Anaheim brass alike.
Surely Duck fans appreciate all that you have done but with all of these veiled threats…you must understand that you are tarnishing your image with the very people that once adored you. This is not the first time you made this threat. Who knows…maybe you can head to Toronto where Brian Burke is GM. He tends to love goalies that are fragile mentally and physically but I digress.
So it would appear that you are on your sunset career wise with Anaheim. Probably at the trade deadline (maybe sooner), you will be playing in a new locale. In spite of this do not be sad. Look at it as a chance to maybe even redeem yourself and be able to play out the days of your career with a little less pressure on your smaller goalie pads now. Best of luck and thanks again for your years of service to the Anaheim Ducks and good luck on your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
The NHL Fan
P.S. We have some better times to show you to at least put a smile on your face….(below).
