The Edmonton Oilers have been connected to acquiring Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson, but recent developments have cast doubt on whether this trade will actually happen. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such a move due to Gibson's troubling injury history. On the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman noted the significant impact of Gibson's upper-body injuries on the Oilers' potential trade plans.
John Gibson, once regarded as one of the more promising goaltenders, has been facing injury setbacks throughout his career. He sustained another upper-body injury just recently, joining the string of ailments he faced last season—four different injuries, to be precise. Despite these challenges, Gibson has managed to display his valuable skills on the ice, participating in 46 games last year before being limited to just 24 games this season.
“There's just no way Edmonton can do [the trade]—they just can't. He keeps getting hurt,” Friedman stated during the podcast. This assessment raises concern for Oilers management, as securing reliable goaltending is particularly pivotal with the team’s aspirations for the playoffs.
Gibson's injury woes have led Ducks head coach Greg Cronin to label his condition as a recurring issue. Given this uncertainty, it’s becoming increasingly clear why the Oilers might think twice before pursuing Gibson. Previously, Friedman indicated the Ducks goaltender was willing to waive his no-move clause for a trade to Edmonton, but reiterated Gibson's desire not to be placed on a tandem with Stuart Skinner, the Oilers’ current starter.
“One thing I heard is Gibson wants a situation where he’s going to be the number one. He wants to be the guy,” Friedman explained, noting the challenges of creating room for both goaltenders under the same team structure. Oilers fans have been optimistic about the potential of Gibson, but the combination of his injuries and the awkward compatibility with Skinner complicates matters.
This season, Skinner has struggled with his performance, managing only .898 save percentage, particularly when facing top teams. Although he still remains the cost-effective option for the Oilers, the team may require more stability as they approach the postseason. Therefore, bringing Gibson, with his superior statistics—most recently boasting a .916 save percentage and ranking ninth among goalies in Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) per 60 minutes according to MoneyPuck—could provide the needed upgrade, but the risks involved can't be ignored.
Adding to the Oilers’ quandary, they seem to be exploring different possibilities for bolstering their goaltending unit. Utah Hockey Club goalie Karel Vejmelka has emerged as another option for the Oilers as they weigh their options going forward. The need for reliable goaltending during their playoff push amplifies scrutiny on any potential trade targets.
While theoretical interest remains high for Gibson’s potential acquisition, the Oilers must carefully assess whether he can be consistently available to contribute to their playoff ambitions. If injuries linger as an issue, the Ducks goaltender may not be the right fit for Edmonton after all.
With the clock ticking down to the trade deadline, the situation surrounding John Gibson exemplifies the unpredictable nature of NHL trades, especially when injuries come to play. The Oilers must balance the promise of Gibson's talent against the backdrop of his recurring injuries—an endeavor defining the intricacies of professional sports deals.
Overall, the concerns surrounding Gibson could lead Edmonton to explore alternative scenarios before settling on any definitive path forward, underscoring the dynamic and sometimes turbulent world of NHL trades.