On Saturday, the Detroit Red Wings executed a noteworthy trade to acquire seasoned goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks, potentially triggering a series of strategic moves across the NHL as numerous teams are on the lookout for goaltending reinforcements.
In exchange for Gibson, Detroit parted with backup goalie Petr Mrazek, a second-round pick for 2027, and a fourth-rounder for 2026, without retaining any salary. Gibson, whose trade possibilities have lingered for several years, offers a proven track record.
“John has demonstrated himself as a reliable starter in the NHL throughout his career,” remarked Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman during a media call. “Anaheim’s rebuilding phase might have impacted his performance, and with a talented young goaltender like Lukas Dostal emerging, John wanted a new opportunity. We’re counting on him to deliver quality starts and elevate our performance in the net.”
Gibson, 31, spent 12 seasons with Anaheim and primarily started his games last season, recording 28 starts compared to Dostal’s 49. He remains contracted for another two years with a salary cap hit of $6.4 million.
Pat Verbeek, the Ducks’ GM, having a long history of collaboration with Yzerman, initiated discussions regarding Gibson ahead of March’s trade deadline, which injuries delayed. “We appreciate John’s dedication as a significant part of our organization for over a decade,” said Verbeek. “He expressed a desire for new opportunities, and after extensive conversations, we believe this was the right timing for the trade.”
As the search for goaltenders intensifies, teams like Edmonton and Philadelphia, alongside others, are likely to pursue solutions this offseason. The pool of unrestricted free agent goalies with starting experience remains limited, with names such as Jake Allen, Ilya Samsonov, Anton Forsberg, and Ville Husso surfacing as top options.
St. Louis solidified its roster by re-signing restricted free agent Joel Hofer to a two-year, $6.8 million deal, ensuring competitors refrained from submitting offer sheets.
Elsewhere, the draft’s second day witnessed several minor transactions. Notably, Los Angeles traded defenseman Jordan Spence, aged 24, to Ottawa for a 67th pick and a 2026 sixth-rounder. Similarly, Buffalo sent Connor Clifton and a second-round pick to the Penguins in exchange for Conor Timmins and Isaac Beliveau. Meanwhile, Washington acquired Declan Chisolm from Minnesota through a combination of pick swaps and minor-leaguer Chase Priskie.
With Los Angeles, Spence scored 52 points in 150 appearances across two seasons, yet found himself mostly on the third defensive pairing due to increased competition. Kings GM Ken Holland noted that Spence sought to play a larger role elsewhere.
The Capitals signed forward Justin Sourdif, 23, to a two-year, $1.65 million contract after trading for him from Florida, where opportunities were limited. Sourdif is anticipated to bolster either the second or third line. “We believe he’s poised to show his capabilities as an NHL player,” commented Capitals GM Chris Patrick, acknowledging the competitive nature of acquiring him.
Meanwhile, north of the border, the Calgary Flames secured Kevin Bahl with a six-year extension worth just over $32 million, while the Winnipeg Jets enhanced their defense by signing Haydn Fleury for $1.9 million over two seasons. Bahl’s contract will impact the salary cap with a $5.35 million hit through the 2030-31 season.