"It's a business," Hiller said. "We all know that. Jiggy can now play a lot in Toronto and show why he's making that salary and what he did the last few years. On the other hand, I always had a great relationship with him.

It's tough. Not just losing a partner on the ice but also losing a good friend. That's kind of the bad part of the business."

Hiller saw the good side of the business when the Ducks signed him to a four-year, $18-million contract extension on Saturday, a move that put the need to trade Giguere and the $7 million he’s due to make next season into overdrive.

But the Swiss goalie, who’s already become the club's undisputed No. 1 goalie, said Giguere showed nothing but class before and after the contract.

"He was always great. I told him not even before I officially signed what was going to happen and he was just happy for me," Hiller said. "So I was almost surprised. He's a great guy. It was awesome to work with him and be in the same dressing room with him.

It kind of hurts right now to lose him. But it's business. I really hope he does well and gets his chance in Toronto. I'm very, very thankful with what he gave to me and how he helped me. He's a big part of why I'm here now."