John Gibson walks out on his team, trade imminent

According to a report from NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson has effectively walked out on his team.

Seravalli reports that Gibsons has demanded a trade this offseason and that he's "not playing another game" for the team.

"John Gibson's asked for a trade. And I've reported that and he's said, 'I am not playing another game for the Anaheim Ducks.' "

- Frank Seravalli

The 29 year old Gibson has been in the Ducks organization for the past 10 years and has been the team's uncontested starter since 2016. There's no denying the fact that he's a very talented goaltender, but he had an absolutely dreadful season in 2023-24. To be fair though, the entire Ducks roster had a dreadful season. They were amongst the worst teams in the NHL and, frankly, they don't look like they'll be much better next season. They're a team in a clear rebuild and don't look like they're going to compete anytime soon. You really can't blame Gibson for wanting to move on to a more competitive team for next season and beyond.

The sticking point in any potential trade, of course, will be Gibson's contract situation. He's due $6.4 million per season through the 2026-27 campaign. If Gibson can reverse the past couple seasons and get himself back to the goaltender he was in his prime from about 2016-2020 then he's valuable at that $6.4 million salary. If, however, his play continues to slide then he's not even worth half of his contract. I imagine the Ducks would have no trouble trading him at 50% salary retained, but even then I don't imagine they'll get much back in terms of future assets. The fact is that there are simply too many quality options on the free agent market and trade market. Veterans like Martin Jones, Jaroslav Halak and Thomas Greiss are all available on the open market and bonafide stars like Connor Hellebuyck and Juuse Saros are reportedly available via trade. Add in the likes of Carter Hart, Dan Vladar and Logan Thompson, all also in play on the trade market, and suddenly Gibson doesn't look so appealing.