Ducks Rumors: 3 Teams Who Could Trade For John Gibson

The Anaheim Ducks are in the process of trading goaltender John Gibson after the veteran netminder informed management this summer he's not playing another game for the franchise. Quite the demands for a goalie who has seen his numbers drop off of late. Regardless, there's going to be a market for the 29-year-old and here's the latest on where Gibson could be heading:

Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres have Devon Levi they'll likely hold on to regardless of this trade, but they could use a solid 1-B type to work in tandem and be a solid mentor for the young goaltender. Gibson still has some game and at 29 years old can find his old elite self once again where he was putting up save percentages in the mid 920's. The Sabres are an up and coming team who if they get above-average goaltending could easily make the Stanley Cup Playoffs next season. Eric Comrie and pick and a prospect would likely be involved here.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets have Connor Hellebuyck who wants out and the Ducks have Gibson, perhaps a bigger deal could be worked out here. Hellebuyck doesn't really match the transition time of the Ducks rebuild but if he sticks around for a seven-year deal, down the road he could do wonders for the rebuilding club. Gibson is a great target for the Jets because they don't want to strip it down and are looking to retool on the fly. Could be more to this than people think.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks were planning a long rebuild, then they won the NHL Draft Lottery and selected Connor Bedard. Everything's been fast tracked now and so could their search for a stable netminder for now and the future. Gibson is signed long term through 2026-27 season at $6.4 million AAV. Petr Mrazek would be going the other way, along with a slew of picks and prospects. The Blackhawks have a ton of draft capital and a decent farm system to choose from. With Gibson being an American goalie, playing for an original six team like the Blackhawks could be a destination he's interested in.

Can John Gibson turn it around on a new team? #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/mrbEArVoKr

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 4, 2023

John Gibson wants out of Anaheim 😬 pic.twitter.com/MUuJOqI9MO

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) July 3, 2023

Photo credit:  Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports