John Gibson Undergoes Emergency Surgery; To Miss Start Of Season

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson is set to miss the start of the 2024-25 season after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. 

The 31-year-old veteran is expected to be sidelined for 3-to-6 weeks, meaning he could miss anywhere from three to 12 games, including the Ducks' season opener on October 12 against the San Jose Sharks. 

Gibson, who participated in training camp but had not appeared in any preseason games, is aiming for a mid-to-late October return at the earliest. In his absence, the Ducks will turn to 24-year-old Lukas Dostal as the likely starter.

#NHLDucks say G John Gibson underwent an emergency appendectomy last night and will miss 3-6 weeks of action.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 26, 2024

Gibson has been Anaheim’s mainstay in net for nearly a decade, holding franchise records in saves (13,294) and games played by a goaltender (477). 

However, his recent performance has reflected the team’s overall struggles, with a career-low .888 save percentage and a 3.54 goals-against average during the 2023-24 season. 

Despite these declining numbers and the $6.4 million annual cap hit attached to his contract for the next three seasons, Gibson remains a big part of Anaheim’s plans, though persistent trade rumors have surrounded him in recent years.

Gibson out 3-6 weeks for Ducks after emergency appendectomy surgery ⤵️https://t.co/tMnktNxBiz

— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) September 26, 2024

With Gibson out, the Ducks will rely heavily on Dostal, who showed promise last season with a .902 save percentage and 14-23-3 record while often outperforming Gibson behind a weak defensive unit. 

Dostal also turned heads during the 2024 IIHF World Championships, helping Czechia secure a gold medal and earning the title of the tournament’s top goaltender.

Photo Credit: Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images