Is John Gibson Done With the Ducks?

John Gibson
Getty Images

The veteran goaltender is reportedly looking for a change of scenery, but his contract might complicate a trade.

Another domino appears ready to fall after the Ducks’ worst season in franchise history: Veteran Ducks goaltender John Gibson is apparently ready to move on from the team, according to a report Friday from the Daily Faceoff.

It is believed that Gibson met with Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek last month to express those sentiments. Gibson is 29 and has four years remaining on a contract with an average annual value of $6.4 million and a limited no-trade clause of 10 teams.

In an interview with the Orange County Register after the Ducks’ regular-season finale on April 13, the three-time All-Star goaltender said, “At the end of the day, I want to win hockey games.”

That’s probably not going to happen as often as Gibson would want with the Ducks. Not with the franchise in the preliminary stages of what could be a lengthy rebuilding process.

So it makes sense that Gibson – who will turn 30 on July 14 – would be looking for a new opportunity at this stage of his career. But wanting a trade and actually making the trade happen are two separate things. There are teams such as the Kings and the Pittsburgh Penguins that could use a goaltender of his caliber but might have a hard time accommodating his salary cap number and/or providing the significant assets that Verbeek would demand in return to move a player of Gibson’s pedigree.

It isn’t without complications but could conceivably get done this summer. Pittsburgh has a newly named president of hockey operations in Kyle Dubas and an opening in goal as incumbent Tristan Jarry has played out his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent.

Pittsburgh is also Gibson’s hometown.

Gibson was asked about his future after the Ducks wrapped up their regular season.

“I don’t know. I’m going to take some time,” Gibson said. “Obviously, we have our end-of-the-year meetings and see what it is going forward. It’s too early to say.

“It is what it is. It’s a long off-season. At the end of the day, I want to win hockey games. It’s been a sour taste in our mouths, and struggles have been going on. If you ask anybody in the room, we’re ready to turn the corner.”

Quote Credit (Orange County Register)

The Ducks are in a position where goaltender Lukas Dostal, coming off his rookie season, is probably ready to be a full-time NHLer. They also got serviceable play from Anthony Stolarz when he was healthy at different times this past season. Moreover, there will be goaltending options available around the league, including former Duck Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes, a pending unrestricted free agent.

The Kings and Ducks could feasibly do business. The Kings are in win-now mode and might need a goalie. While it’s quite complicated to make a trade with a crosstown rival, it might be something that could help both teams.

Episode 108: Merry LAPmas Late Arrivals: An Anaheim Ducks Podcast

On this episode of LAP, Lou and Chris cover the last week's worth of Ducks… wins? Am I reading that right? They talk about some of the veterans stepping up in big ways and the continued play of one Troy Terry (who's very good btw). They cover the Cam Fowler trade and Chris also airs his grievances about the lowly Sabres. As always, they end the episode with listener questions! Follow Late Arrivals  Twitter: @latearrivalspod Instagram: @latearrivalspod Follow the hosts Chris: @CJKChel Connor: @91_Pluty Jake: @_JRobles71 Louis: @Louiex37  Intro/ Outro done by Will Rice/ @pastorwillrice
  1. Episode 108: Merry LAPmas
  2. Episode 107: Quack Therapy
  3. Episode 106: Blue Timbs
  4. Episode 105: Wacky Win Streak
  5. Episode 104: Going Loco

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

One thought on “Is John Gibson Done With the Ducks?”

Leave a Reply

Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers

Opinion: The New York Rangers Have Officially Hit Rock Bottom

It is not going to be a good holiday season for the New York Rangers. The Rangers were shutout by the New Jersey Devils by a score of 5-0 at the Prudential Center on Monday afternoon, December 23. It was a game that encapsulated their play this season as they were outplayed, broken in each […]

Read More
Pittsburgh Penguins Tristan Jarry

Pittsburgh Penguins Outclass Philadelphia Flyers In 7-3 Victory

After being shutout 3-0 against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, the Penguins exploded for seven goals against the Philadelphia Flyers, cruising to a dominant 7-3 victory behind a four-point performance from Sidney Crosby and Michael Bunting’s dynamic two-goal performance. The Penguins dominated the game from start to finish, while the Flyers struggled to contain […]

Read More
Jack Hughes skating for the New Jersey Devils

New Jersey Devils Dominate The Rangers 5-0, Hughes Lights The Lamp Twice

In a thrilling matchup at Prudential Center, the Devils delivered a symphony of pain to their bitter rivals, silencing the Rangers with a 5-0 shutout on Monday, December 23rd. The intensity was palpable from the first drop of the puck, and the game quickly devolved into a spirited – and occasionally pugilistic affair. Jack Hughes […]

Read More