Happy New Year, hockey fans! As the NHL season heats up, so does the rumor mill. And the latest buzz has Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson potentially landing with the Carolina Hurricanes.
This isn’t just idle chatter, folks. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported on The Athletic that the Hurricanes and Ducks have engaged in trade discussions surrounding Gibson dating back to the offseason. Carolina’s interest in bolstering their goaltending is no secret. Gibson has played well this season on a weak Anaheim team, as he still possesses the talent and pedigree to be a difference-maker.
Analyzing a Potential John Gibson Trade: What’s at Stake for Carolina and Anaheim?
But there’s a catch, and it’s a big one: Gibson’s contract. He carries a hefty $6.4 million AAV and has another year remaining after this season. That’s a significant commitment for any team, even one with Carolina’s cap flexibility. To make the numbers work, Anaheim would almost certainly need to retain some salary. And that’s where things get interesting.
If the Ducks are eating salary, they’ll want a sweetener in return. Carolina boasts a deep prospect pool and some intriguing young NHLers. Would a package involving a player like Jack Drury, along with a draft pick, be enough to entice Anaheim?
It’s worth noting that the Edmonton Oilers have also been linked to Gibson. However, LeBrun believes Gibson’s contract might be too rich for the Oilers’ blood. This could give the Hurricanes a leg up in the sweepstakes.
Of course, any deal hinges on whether Carolina truly believes Gibson is the missing piece to their Stanley Cup puzzle. He’s a proven veteran with a track record of success. But can he regain his elite form behind a stronger defensive core? That’s the million-dollar question – or, in this case, the $6.4 million question.
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