Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson, who’s been the subject of countless trade rumours, reportedly prefers the Edmonton Oilers, according to insider Elliotte Friedman.
During Monday’s 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman explored trade discussions involving Gibson. In particular, Friedman honed in on two teams the veteran netminder would like to play for: The Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes.
The rumours involving Gibson and the Hurricanes are nothing new. The Canes need a goalie and Gibson seems like the best one available on the market. However, nothing has materialised to this point.
As for the Edmonton Oilers, Gibson has been linked to the club. But talks haven’t seemed to move forward significantly as the Oilers don’t seem to be in a panic mode, scrambling to find a starting goaltender. Stuart Skinner is still the man in Edmonton, making rumours about Gibson somewhat far-fetched.
However, this rumour must be taken with a grain of salt. Friedman was clear about the fact he didn’t know about Gibson’s preferences directly. He was told by someone in the know that Gibson wanted to play in Edmonton.
So, it remains to be seen just how much credence there is to the rumour itself. Moreover, if the rumour is to be believed, the situation has put the Ducks in a tough spot. With Carolina and Edmonton knowing that Gibson wants to play for either team, they can use that knowledge as leverage.
As a result, the Ducks might get a lower-than-expected return as opposed to a decent haul for the proven veteran starting netminder.
Gibson wants to be the starter with Edmonton Oilers
There’s another caveat that Friedman pointed out, underscoring the fact that Gibson wants to be the starter wherever he goes. By that logic, Carolina is the place for him. The Hurricanes need a proven number-one guy now, even with Pytor Kotchetkov looming as the goalie of the future.
In Edmonton, the situation gets dicey. Skinner is the guy. Team management has made their commitment to Skinner clear by giving him a three-year deal. As such, the best Gibson could hope for is a tandem situation heading into the playoffs.
If Friedman is right, and he usually is, that situation won’t cut it for Gibson. Consequently, we can write off the rumours involving Gibson to the Oilers. But I will say this: There is the possibility that the Oilers decide that Skinner just isn’t the guy. The team is willing to take the crease away from Skinner and hand it to someone like Gibson.
That sort of move would come with terrible optics. There is no reason to throw Skinner under the bus like that, especially when the Oilers are playing well at this point.
In my estimation, the only reasonable explanation for a Gibson trade is that Skinner is hurt and the Oilers are planning to shut him down. That may have something to do with Team Canada passing on Skinner for the 4 Nations.
There isn’t any indication that Skinner is hurt. But then again, the Oilers could be treading lightly in hopes of keeping their hand close to their chest. With roughly a month before the trade deadline, don’t be surprised if the Oilers add a third-string goalie as insurance.
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