Insider Provides Big Trade Talks Update On Ducks' John Gibson

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson has been one of the NHL's most-talked-about trade candidates leading up to the NHL trade deadline. It is understandable, as the 31-year-old is in the middle of a strong season with the rebuilding Ducks. Two teams who have been linked to him throughout the season are the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes.

However, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, Gibson is "likely" to stay put with the Ducks past the deadline.

"John Gibson staying put? Likely," LeBrun said. "Never say never, but the two most logical destinations for the Anaheim Ducks netminder don’t appear to be fits ahead of the deadline."

According to LeBrun, the Oilers don't view Gibson as a "true upgrade and aren’t keen on his contract." As for the Hurricanes, LeBrun noted that the Hurricanes are happy with the play of goaltenders Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov. In addition, LeBrun reported that the Ducks and Hurricanes' asking prices in a potential swap are just too far apart.

Gibson is the middle of a strong bounce-back season with the Ducks. After posting a .888 save percentage and 3.54 goals-against average in 46 games last season, he has a .909 save percentage and a 2.82 goals-against average this campaign. Overall, he has been quite solid for the Ducks, and it now looks like he will finish the year in Anaheim, barring any sudden changes.

If the Ducks can't find Gibson a new home by the deadline, they could once again explore his trade market this summer. This is because the veteran is signed until the end of the 2026-27 season, carrying a $6.4 million cap hit.