It’s no secret that the Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup contenders. They’ve got the scoring, the defense, and the coaching. But one question mark lingers: goaltending. Frederik Andersen, while talented, has struggled with injuries. This inconsistency has fueled speculation about potential moves to solidify their crease.
Enter John Gibson.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun recently stirred the pot, suggesting the Anaheim Ducks might be willing to retain half of Gibson’s $6.4 million cap hit through 2026-27. This makes him a much more attractive trade target, and LeBrun specifically mentioned the Hurricanes as a potential landing spot.
Why John Gibson Makes Sense for Carolina
Now, I’ve been watching this league for a long time, and let me tell you, Gibson is a legitimate starting goalie. He’s got the size, the athleticism, and the pedigree. A fresh start in Carolina could be exactly what he needs to regain his Vezina Trophy-caliber form.
For the Hurricanes, acquiring Gibson would be a major statement. It would demonstrate their commitment to winning now. Imagine a healthy Andersen and Gibson battling for the starting job. That’s a good problem to have, and it gives the Canes the kind of goaltending depth you need to go deep in the playoffs.
Of course, any deal would come with challenges. The Hurricanes would need to give up assets, and they’d have to manage their salary cap carefully. But if GM Eric Tulsky can pull this off, it could be the move that puts them over the top.
But here’s the thing:
The Hurricanes aren’t the only team that might be interested in Gibson. If the Ducks are serious about moving him, expect a bidding war. Teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, and Colorado Avalanche could all be in the mix.
This is a situation worth monitoring closely. The NHL trade deadline is still months away, but the rumor mill is already churning.
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