Ducks’ Kilger Determined to Wait on Deal

The uncertainty created by the NHL’s new entry-level salary system has led the Mighty Ducks and the agent for No. 4 overall pick Chad Kilger to take a wait-and-see approach.

“We’re resolved to wait until the others determine what the market is,” said agent Larry Kelly, though he added that he expects a deal by the end of the month.

Though unsigned, Kilger is in camp and playing well after the Ducks made an irrevocable three-year, $2.3-million offer, which is $250,000 under the cap and doesn’t include any negotiated performance bonuses.

NHL management is facing off against player agents in a battle to set the standards in a new system that limits players to $850,000 a year in salary and signing bonuses during their first three years.

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Bonuses are at the heart of goaltender Guy Hebert’s new three-year contract, with the Ducks willing to open the bank doors wide if Hebert can get them to the playoffs.

Hebert’s contract will pay him $800,000 this season and at least $900,000 next season, but if the team reaches the postseason or he meets other high-performance standards, his salary next year could jump to $1.3 million.