Screenshot
Will Anaheim Ducks’ Goalie John Gibson Be Traded?
John Gibson, the Anaheim Ducks’ long-time starting goaltender, has been at the center of trade rumors for a while now. As the team enters a new phase of rebuilding, the question remains: will the Ducks trade Gibson, and what would such a move mean for both the player and the franchise?
A Stellar, Yet Unfulfilled Career
John Gibson was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2011 NHL Draft and quickly became one of the league’s most promising young goaltenders. By 2014, Gibson made his NHL debut and was thrust into the starting role for a team that was competing for a Stanley Cup. Over the years, he earned a reputation as one of the more reliable goalies in the league, capable of standing on his head when needed. His athleticism, quick reflexes, and ability to handle heavy workloads kept the Ducks competitive in many seasons, especially in a franchise that often struggled to find consistent scoring.
Despite his personal success, the Ducks as a team have not been able to make significant playoff noise in recent years. After a series of early-round playoff exits and a prolonged period of mediocrity, Anaheim entered a full rebuilding phase. This shift in focus could leave Gibson, who is still in his prime but tied to a team in flux, wondering if his future lies elsewhere.
The Rebuild in Anaheim
The Anaheim Ducks began their rebuild after trading away key veteran players such as Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. The team’s core now consists of promising young talents like Trevor Zegras, Troy Terry, and Jamie Drysdale. However, this process is expected to take several more years, and during that time, Gibson’s tenure in Anaheim is seen by many as a potential obstacle to a full-scale rebuild.
Goalies tend to have shorter careers than most skaters, and with Gibson now in his late 20s, he might be looking to join a team with more immediate playoff aspirations. At the same time, Anaheim, while still needing strong goaltending, could benefit from a trade of Gibson to add more assets, especially in the form of young players or draft picks. With the Ducks in full rebuild mode, it makes sense for the team to shift focus toward the future rather than invest in a goaltender who might not fit into their timeline.
Gibson’s Trade Value
Gibson’s trade value is an interesting topic of discussion. While he has been a highly capable goaltender for the Ducks over the years, his numbers in recent seasons have dipped. Over the past few years, his save percentage has been inconsistent, and he’s faced heavy workloads on a team that often struggles defensively. In the 2022-2023 season, Gibson posted a .904 save percentage, a far cry from his peak years when he routinely hovered around .920 or better. Still, even with those numbers, Gibson remains a highly regarded goalie, and many teams would see him as an upgrade in net.
One factor that could complicate any trade discussions is Gibson’s contract. He has four more seasons remaining on his contract at a cap hit of $6.4 million. While this is a reasonable number for a starting goaltender of his caliber, it could limit the pool of potential suitors, as teams would have to ensure they have the salary cap space to absorb that hit. Some teams could also be hesitant to acquire a goaltender with a significant cap hit when they may be looking for a more affordable option.
However, the potential benefits of acquiring a player of Gibson’s stature cannot be overstated. Teams on the cusp of competing for the playoffs or a Stanley Cup would see him as a strong addition. His experience, high-level performance in a struggling environment, and ability to carry a team could make him an attractive target for contenders looking to shore up their goaltending.
Potential Trade Destinations
If the Ducks do decide to trade Gibson, several teams could be interested.
- Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres are a young, up-and-coming team with a strong group of forwards and defensemen. However, their goaltending has been inconsistent. Adding a veteran like Gibson would give them stability in net as they continue to grow as a team.
- Washington Capitals: With the Capitals in the tail end of the Ovechkin era, they are in win-now mode. They have solid offensive talent but need consistent goaltending. Gibson could be a good fit here, offering them a strong presence between the pipes as they try to compete for another Cup.
- New Jersey Devils: The Devils are in the midst of a playoff window, but their goaltending situation has been shaky at times. Adding Gibson could give them a solid, experienced option in net to pair with their young stars as they look to take the next step.
- Toronto Maple Leafs: The Leafs are another team that could benefit from bolstering their goaltending, especially after the departure of Matt Murray. While they have high hopes for Ilya Samsonov, bringing in someone with Gibson’s experience could provide the team with more playoff pedigree.
What Does the Future Hold for Gibson?
At the end of the day, the decision to trade John Gibson hinges on the Ducks’ vision for the future and their willingness to part with a player who has been one of their most consistent performers over the years. For Gibson, the possibility of joining a team with Stanley Cup aspirations is undoubtedly enticing. If the Ducks decide to part ways with their long-time netminder, both sides will likely benefit—Gibson gets the chance to chase a Cup, and Anaheim continues its rebuild with additional assets to accelerate the process.
Ultimately, the trade of John Gibson is a move that makes sense from both a team-building and career progression perspective. Whether it happens in the next season or beyond remains to be seen, but it’s clear that change is on the horizon for both Gibson and the Ducks.
