Star goalie John Gibson traded by Anaheim Ducks after connection to Oilers

Reports surfaced last week that John Gibson would be willing to waive his no-move clause to join the Oilers, and the Ducks would be willing to retain salary. However, the Oilers just never bit on a move.

According to multiple NHL insiders at the draft today, the Anaheim Ducks have traded Gibson to the Red Wings in exchange for goalie Petr Mrazek and two draft picks.

Petr Mrazek is an older backup goalie who's severely struggled in recent years, and the two draft picks are expected to be lower picks in today's draft.

Needless to say, the price was much lower than expected for Gibson - and the Oilers should've been all over this.

The 31 year old Gibson was perhaps the only veteran starting goalie truly available on the trade market. He's played his entire 506 game NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks, posting an elite .910 career save percentage.

There's been significant concerns about trading for Gibson after he went through some down seasons between 2022 and the 2024-25 season. However, last year, Gibson's game shot up again to a .912 save percentage and top 15 in goals saved above expected.

If the Oilers address their goaltending, they'll have one less option left, probably the top option, with John Gibson already traded.

They may have to get creative to find another solution of an under the radar goalie, or perhaps, they'll just run back the same failed tandem again.