NHLTR Mock Trade: Anaheim Ducks Trade John Gibson to the Buffalo Sabres

Welcome to the NHLTR mock trade series where we will showcase a potential 2023 offseason trade. From minor moves to major transactions, everything will be covered as we try to predict how the chips may fall this summer across the NHL.

For today's episode we head to sunny California and check in on the Anaheim Ducks. According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Ducks were informed by goaltender John Gibson that he's no longer interested in playing another game for the franchise. Cue the trade rumors as Seravalli and Gibson's agent continue to dual it out online. If the Ducks do move on from the veteran netminder, here's one deal to consider.

NHLTR Mock Trade: Ducks trade John Gibson to Buffalo Sabres for Eric Comrie, Peyton Krebs and a 24 third-round pick.

John Gibson has asked for a trade.. and he said, “I am not playing another game for the Anaheim Ducks”

(Per @frank_seravalli) pic.twitter.com/WRPyyXnbdR
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) July 3, 2023
Ducks perspective: This deal gives the Ducks cap flexibility, it gives them a stop-gap goaltender and they receive a top prospect in Krebs. He was a part of the Jack Eichel trade with Vegas and last season with the Sabres, put up 26 points in 74 games. At just 22 years old, this is the type of player the Ducks will focus on in return for Gibson. Comrie is 27 years old and has one season left on his contract at $1.8 million. He could certainly become a bigger piece in Anaheim down the road depending how next season goes.

Sabres perspective: Buffalo is close to being a serious problem in the Eastern Conference. They had troubles keeping the puck out of their net last season and with a stellar goaltender, could finally propel themselves back into the playoff picture in the east. Gibson holds trade protection against 10 teams, however, with the Sabres being an up and coming exciting team to watch, it's likely they make the approval list.

Which side are you on, Seravalli's or Gibson's agent? Does he want out or not? Who knows, but this mock trade could work out for both clubs.