After 11 seasons together, a separation between the Anaheim Ducks and John Gibson could benefit both parties, but it remains uncertain if that will happen.
It’s not necessarily required. Gibson has three seasons remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $6.4 million, and with Anaheim’s ample cap space, they might see value in keeping Gibson alongside Lukáš Dostál in a competitive goalie pairing. As the Ducks attempt to emerge from a long rebuild, Gibson’s recent struggles have raised doubts about whether other teams would be interested in taking on his large contract.
At 31, Gibson, a former three-time All-Star, is currently recovering from an emergency appendectomy. If he starts strong upon his return, his stock could rise, making him an appealing trade option as the deadline approaches, especially for teams in need of goaltending help.
One such team could be the Colorado Avalanche.
Colorado’s current goalie, Alexandar Georgiev, is off to a rough start this season, allowing 17 goals in just four games. Though his performance might improve, his inconsistency over the past year is concerning for a team with championship aspirations. Meanwhile, the Avalanche have elite players like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen in their prime, making this a critical period for another potential Cup run. Poor goaltending could derail those hopes.
The Ducks and Avalanche might consider a trade involving Gibson, but a key factor will be assessing his current ability. Though Gibson was once among the league’s best goalies, his recent statistics have been disappointing. This dip in performance is partly due to Anaheim’s weak defense over the past few seasons. However, Gibson is still relatively young for a goalie, and if placed behind a strong team like Colorado, he might regain his former form.
For the Avalanche, upgrading their goaltending could be essential. Though Georgiev might rebound, Gibson could offer the potential for elite performance — something Colorado may need to make another deep playoff run.
The financial side of such a trade would also be crucial. Colorado’s salary cap situation is tight, with Gabriel Landeskog and Tucker Poolman on long-term injured reserve. To make a deal feasible, Anaheim might need to retain some of Gibson’s salary, a move Ducks GM Pat Verbeek has been reluctant to make in the past. However, retaining 50% of Gibson’s contract would reduce his cap hit to $3.2 million, making a trade more palatable for the Avalanche.
In exchange, Anaheim could take on Georgiev’s expiring contract, freeing up $3.4 million in cap space for Colorado. While Georgiev has struggled this season, Anaheim could benefit from having him in a goalie tandem with Dostál. Additionally, the Ducks should aim to secure one of Colorado’s valuable draft picks, given Gibson’s potential to elevate the Avalanche’s goaltending.
For the Ducks, retaining some of Gibson’s salary might limit their cap flexibility in the next few seasons, but it could also bring in key assets for their rebuild. Meanwhile, Colorado would get a proven goalie to help with their immediate goals of contending for another Stanley Cup.
Ultimately, both teams could benefit from this type of deal. Gibson’s contract may seem hefty, but if he performs well behind a competitive team, it could be viewed as a bargain. Colorado’s recent history of making goalies thrive could work in Gibson’s favor, allowing him to rediscover his elite form.
While Georgiev’s future with the Ducks would be uncertain, this trade would provide a fresh start for him, as well as an opportunity for Anaheim to assess its goaltending options moving forward.
If Anaheim and Colorado strike a deal, it could help both teams achieve their goals — the Ducks in their rebuild and the Avalanche in their pursuit of another championship.
(Photo of John Gibson: Jaylynn Nash / Getty Images)
