Anaheim Ducks won’t re-sign Jonas Hiller, Saku Koivu or Daniel Winnik

Jonas Hiller, No. 1 of the Anaheim Ducks (L), is congratulated by Ben Lovejoy after a win againbst the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on December 6, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. The Ducks defeated the Blackhawks 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images file)

Free agency doesn’t begin until next month, but Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray put a swift end to ongoing speculation about three of his players by announcing Thursday he would not offer new contracts to goaltender Jonas Hiller and forwards Saku Koivu and Daniel Winnik.

“Jonas was the No. 1 goalie around here for five years,” Murray said in a conference call with reporters. “It’s funny how it comes full circle. Years ago, it was him taking over for ‘Jiggy’ (Jean-Sebastien Giguere). Now we’ve got two young guys. He understands.”

Murray said he didn’t know what Koivu might do after a Hall of Fame-caliber career that included a longtime captaincy of the Montreal Canadiens before signing with the Ducks as a free agent in 2009 and playing with Finnish countryman Teemu Selanne.

Murray said the decision to not re-sign Koivu was “the hardest of the three.”

Winnik played a depth role for the Ducks, but was not a big offensive producer. He recorded 30 points this past season, including 24 assists. Murray said he could fill Winnik’s spot on the roster with younger players, which could include any number of players.

However, Murray would not comment directly on reports from Ottawa that the Ducks are among the most serious suitors for center Jason Spezza. The Ducks are looking for depth at center and also to bolster their defense corps, deals that could be made in conjunction with next week’s draft.

The Ducks have two first-round picks, 10th and 24th overall.

“I’m very aware of the rumors out there,” Murray said. “Let’s just say I’ve talked to a lot of people.”