Anaheim Ducks Goaltender John Gibson linked to Two Top Contenders, per The Athletic
The Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson was linked to two top contenders by The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston.
For the past few years, John Gibson was involved in plenty of trade rumors. He's been one of the most reliable goalies in the league in recent years but has been playing with a struggling team, leaving many experts to believe he could ask for a trade soon.
According to Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston, John Gibson could be traded before March 7th. The two insiders even named the two top contenders to land him on the market.
Johnston stated that the Edmonton Oilers should go after him, as they've been relying on Stuart Skinner for the majority of the starts this season, and he's in the bottom-10 in all the NHL for the save percentage.
Adding Gibson would surely confirm the Oilers' position as one of the best teams in the league.
In Johnston's words:
So while Gibson may not be a priority addition, he could be a sensible one - especially in the scenario detailed above where he's being acquired with a $3.2 million cap hit.
Edmonton is all-in on chasing the Stanley Cup this season and the years beyond it when Gibson is under contract. The veteran is unquestionably an upgrade on what the Oilers currently have as a No. 2 to support Skinner."
As for Pierre LeBrun, he believes the Carolina Hurricanes should target him. After dealing with multiple injuries within their goalie unit in the past seasons, the Hurricanes could be tempted to add Gibson to their roster, solidifying their status as top Stanley Cup contenders.
Here's what he said:
He will not be traded, in my mind, unless Anaheim retains half of his remaining salary. Or close to it. So there is no guarantee Gibson gets moved. But if he does, the leading contenders in my mind would be the Hurricanes.
For starters, we know the Hurricanes and Ducks had trade talks last summer regarding Gibson. Those talks fizzled in the end, but both teams took a look at it. And there's no question in my mind those teams have re-engaged. But can they make it work?
There's a price point I just don't think the Canes will be willing to go above. The 31-year-old is healthy, he's apparently in a great frame of mind (which was a concern for teams over the past few years) and I truly believe Carolina would improve its Stanley Cup chances with a 1A-1B punch in goal of Pyotr Kochetkov and Gibson."
Do you think John Gibson will be traded this season? If so, will the Edmonton Oilers or the Carolina Hurricanes be on the other end of the deal?
