John Gibson was supposed to be Anaheim’s savior in net, and for much of his time in sunny California, he was a top goaltender.
But at 28, Gibson’s play has slipped a bit in recent seasons. Sportsnet’s Nick Alberga reported on Monday that Gibson is open to being dealt from the Ducks this off-season. Gibson’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, later told NJ.com reporter Ryan Novozinsky that there’s no desire from Gibson’s end to move on, so take each side for what you will.
So, let’s play with the idea that Gibson could be traded this summer. What’s next?
He has five years left on a modified no-trade clause with a $6.4-million AAV, which — if he can rekindle what has made him such a good goaltender in the past — is a digestible contract for whoever decides to take a run at him.
So, instantly, Gibson’s name becomes a huge part of the off-season. And not entirely surprising, either, after his rough season for a Ducks team that showed true promise in the first half. Anaheim is a young team with a bright future, but they need to focus more on that long-term plan, even if that means missing a few more playoff runs. And of all tradeable assets on this team — and there isn’t a ton after moving a handful of them at the trade deadline — Gibson instantly becomes a popular one.
For Ducks fans, it’s exciting in a way. The team’s early success this season was a bit of a surprise, but the goal was growing with Trevor Zegras, Troy Terry, Jamie Drysdale and company. Gibson was brought in during the tail-end of the Ryan Getzlaf/Corey Perry glory days, so his spot on this team was always a bit wonky.
Anaheim doesn’t have an immediate answer in net, and might not need one for a bit if they’re focusing on extending the rebuild anyway.
The first team that comes to mind are the Edmonton Oilers. Goalie issues have been a consistent theme for the past few seasons, and while 40-year-old Mike Smith had his moments during the post-season, they needed better goaltending to stop a high-flying Colorado Avalanche team. Smith has another year left on his contract, but it’s unclear whether or not he’ll stick around. Regardless, the team needs to make at least one decision with Mikko Koskinen jetting off to Switzerland, and, at the right price, Gibson could be a fantastic fit for Oil Country.
The New Jersey Devils are a team on the rise with a good young core, but Mackenzie Blackwood wasn’t the goalie the team needed him to be this season. They’ve got the second overall pick this year and a handful of other valuable assets they can move to bring Gibson in if they think he’s the right option. The Buffalo Sabres also have three first-round picks they can use to make a move if they can make things work.
Throw in the Toronto Maple Leafs, who don’t have a clear answer regarding Jack Campbell’s future, and there are going to be some high-profile partners this season. Each team has some valuable assets the Ducks can build around, especially if they can maximize his value and trade him before the draft.
For the most part, the goaltending market this summer isn’t that huge. Marc-Andre Fleury is the best UFA available, but he’ll be 38 next season. How much more value can he bring? Will Darcy Kuemper decide to leave Colorado? What’s Campbell’s future in Toronto? Ilya Samsonov is an interesting trade target, but is coming off of a rough season himself in Washington.
That makes Gibson a desirable target, assuming teams believe he can regain his magical form. Since Gibson is on a modified NTC, his options will largely be in his control, and you’d have to assume he’d want to go somewhere with a realistic shot of winning in the next few years to not waste the rest of his contract.
Gibson isn’t going to be a cheap trade piece because at his best, Gibson can be a top 10 goalie in the NHL. His fantasy hockey owners know that definitely wasn’t the case the past two seasons, but going to a contender could help regain that trust back in him.
So, buckle up. It’s about to get spicy.
