Insider: "No Way" This One Team Makes Move For Ducks' John Gibson
Speaking on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman made it clear that Gibson’s injury history makes a deal unrealistic. “There’s just no way Edmonton can do that. They just can’t. He keeps getting hurt,” he said.
Gibson has already missed time this season with an upper-body injury and previously underwent an appendectomy in September. He was also limited to 46 games last season due to multiple injuries.
LeBrun continues and says John Gibson is out there and willing to go to Edmonton, but the Oilers don't see him as an upgrade on Skinner and his contract doesn't look to appealing either to Edmonton, couple more seasons at $6.4M.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) February 26, 2025
When healthy, Gibson has been effective, posting a .915 save percentage and ranking ninth in GSAx per 60 on a struggling Ducks team.
However, Edmonton’s front office doesn’t view him as a clear upgrade over Stuart Skinner, despite the Oilers’ inconsistent goaltending. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun added that the Oilers don’t see a must-have goalie available and are hesitant to take on Gibson’s $6.4 million cap hit through 2026-27.
Even if the Oilers had interest, Friedman noted that Gibson, who has a no-trade clause, only wants to move to a team where he would be the undisputed starter. “One of the things I heard is that Gibson wants a situation where he’s going to be the number one. He wants to be the guy,” Friedman said.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts says John Gibson's preference if he is traded would be EDM or CAR. Friedman says someone told him that last week there was talks about the Oilers and Gibson. Adds that Gibson wants to be a #1 and he doesn't know if a Gibson/Skinner duo will work.
— Oilers Access (@oilersaccess) February 10, 2025
With the trade deadline approaching, Edmonton may look elsewhere for goaltending help, but there’s no urgency to make a move.
Skinner, despite a .898 save percentage this season, backstopped the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final last year, and the team remains committed to him.
If they do pursue an addition in net, Utah Hockey Club’s Karel Vejmelka has emerged as a possible target, as Edmonton explores a tandem upgrade rather than a major shakeup.
Photo Credit: Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images
