NHL Trade Rumors: John Gibson 'Frustrated' With Ducks

Monday, March 24, 2025

John Gibson’s situation in Anaheim remains a point of tension following the trade deadline, where many believed a move was imminent. 

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, there’s frustration across the board — from Gibson himself, Ducks management, and other teams who engaged in trade talks. “I think there’s some frustration John Gibson didn’t get moved,” Friedman wrote in his 32 Thoughts column. 

The Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers were among the teams linked to Gibson, but ultimately, no deal materialized. Anaheim’s unwillingness to retain salary on Gibson’s $6.4 million AAV contract with two years remaining is believed to have complicated matters.

Despite missing time with lower-body injuries, Gibson has posted a strong .912 save percentage and 2.75 goals-against average in 26  starts this season — his best numbers since 2018-19. 

He also owns a 5.9 goals saved above average, signaling a turnaround after multiple disappointing campaigns. Still, with Lukáš Dostál emerging as the Ducks’ top netminder and Anaheim clearly in a developmental phase, Gibson appears to be a misfit in the club’s long-term plans. 

As one Western Conference GM told Friedman, “You can see the young Ducks starting to figure it out,” referencing the growth of defensemen Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger, who’ve taken on expanded roles since the Ducks traded Brian Dumoulin.

With both sides reportedly ready to move on, trade talks involving Gibson are expected to reignite this summer. 

Anaheim’s front office may face more pressure to find a solution, especially as the salary cap continues to rise — making his contract more palatable to potential suitors. 

While Gibson returned to the lineup on March 20 after a multi-week absence, his long-term future in Orange County seems increasingly uncertain. 

The Ducks' offseason could mark the final chapter in Gibson’s tenure, ending what has become a drawn-out and frustrating saga for all involved.

Photo Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

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