Ferreira, Hebert Trying to Get Deal Done Today

Mighty Duck General Manager Jack Ferreira flew to Boston Wednesday in an attempt to wrap up contract negotiations that could keep goalie Guy Hebert with the team for the remainder of his career.

Ferreira plans to meet today with Brian Cook, Hebert’s agent. Hebert also will be in town, in case an agreement is reached. The sides have exchanged “a number of proposals” in recent weeks, according to Cook.

“Jack is flying to Boston to get it done,” Cook said. “We plan to take him to one of the finest Italian restaurants on the North Side if we sign the deal. If we don’t, then it will be airport food.”

Ferreira was unavailable for comment.

Hebert had been seeking a five-year deal worth more than $2 million per season. He made a base salary of $1.05 million last season, part of an incentive-laden three-year contract.

Earlier this month, goalie Ed Belfour signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Stars that will pay him $2.5 million plus incentives next season. He will make $3.25 million and $3.5 million the following seasons.

Belfour was the fourth-highest paid goalie in the NHL last season, with a base salary of $2.75 million.

“We are not in the Belfour area,” Cook said. “But his contract has changed the market for goalies.”

Hebert, 30, is coming off his best season. He was tied for fifth in save percentage (.919) and third in saves (31.8 per game). Hebert had a 12-game unbeaten streak from Feb. 22 to Mar. 24, a run that helped the Ducks reach the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time.

The Ducks defeated the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round, then lost in four games to the Detroit Red Wings, the eventual Stanley Cup champions. Hebert missed the last two games of that series after injuring his groin in the third period of Game 2.

“My goal is to sign a long-term deal and stay in Anaheim for as long as I can, possibly end my career there,” said Hebert, one of three Mighty Ducks remaining from the 1993 expansion draft. “That’s what I would like to see happen. In the end, it’s a job and a decision will be made one way or another. Hopefully, it will go as planned.”

Ferreira left town while the stalemate between the Ducks and the Calgary Flames continued over former Flame coach Pierre Page. On Tuesday, Ferreira and Calgary General Manager Al Coates said there have been no further discussions between the organizations.