According to reports, including one by Nick Alberga of NHL Fantasy On Ice, goaltender John Gibson has informed the Anaheim Ducks he’s open to being moved this offseason in a trade. The Ducks are not competitive and Gibson isn’t getting any younger. The speculation is that he’d like a chance to compete for a Stanley Cup and move to a contender.
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David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period retweeted the post from Alberga and wrote, “Nick with good info here. The Ducks took calls on Gibson ahead of the trade deadline, as we reported in March. Gibson open to moving explains why. Trade talks are expected to continue leading into the NHL Draft next month. He owns a 10-team no-trade list.” Kevin Weekes has also confirmed the report and adds, “Best Goalie option available in the marketplace for trade to contending team hands down!”
Among the early candidates who will likely have an interest are the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres, and New Jersey Devils. For the Avs, if Darcy Kuemper doesn’t return, they could be among the contenders. The same goes for Toronto and Jack Campbell. For the Oilers, they badly need to pick up a starting netminder. Mikko Koskinen signed on Monday with Hockey Club Lugano in Switzerland and Mike Smith isn’t necessarily going to be their starter next year.
Gibson has five more years left on a modified no-trade clause that pays $6.4 million per season. He’s certainly not going to be a test case for a team. If someone like Edmonton, Toronto or Colorado is in, they are sold on the netminder and making a huge investment, even if they get the Ducks to retain some salary in any trade.
And, the fact that he’s coming off of a rough season with the Ducks is not going to help his cause. He’s established himself as a legit NHL starter, but he posted a record of 18-26-11 record with one shutout and a .904 save percentage in 56 games for the Ducks this past year.
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