NHL insider reveals the Edmonton Oilers’ asking price for a potential trade to acquire goaltender John Gibson from Anaheim.

As the NHL trade deadline approaches and teams around the league look to make moves to bolster their rosters for a playoff push, the Edmonton Oilers have emerged as a team with a clear need in one key area: goaltending. With the club’s playoff hopes often dependent on the performance of their netminders, it has become evident that a move for a more reliable and experienced goalie could be a crucial factor in their quest for Stanley Cup contention.

One name that has surfaced in the trade rumor mill in recent weeks is John Gibson, the talented but underappreciated goaltender for the Anaheim Ducks. Known for his athleticism, puck-stopping ability, and experience at the NHL level, Gibson has long been a key player for the Ducks, often carrying the team during challenging seasons. However, with the Ducks currently in a rebuild and Gibson’s desire to move to a contender, the potential for a trade is high.

As the Edmonton Oilers look to solidify their goaltending situation ahead of a potential playoff run, NHL insiders have confirmed that the Oilers have actively pursued Gibson and are in discussions with the Ducks about a trade. But what will it take for the Oilers to secure the services of the 29-year-old netminder? According to multiple sources within the league, the asking price for Gibson in a trade is steep, with Anaheim holding out for significant assets in return.

In this article, we explore the potential trade between the Oilers and the Ducks, breaking down the asking price, the reasoning behind it, and what it means for the Oilers as they look to address their goaltending concerns.

John Gibson’s Profile: The Ideal Goaltender for the Oilers?

Before diving into the specifics of the trade, it’s important to understand why John Gibson is such an appealing target for the Edmonton Oilers. Gibson has been a reliable presence in the Ducks’ crease for years, despite playing behind a team that has often struggled to maintain consistent success. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 219 pounds, Gibson combines size and quick reflexes, making him a difficult goaltender to beat in one-on-one situations.

Gibson’s reputation as a workhorse goalie has been built on his ability to withstand heavy workloads. Despite Anaheim’s struggles over the years, Gibson has consistently faced a high volume of shots, and he has posted solid numbers despite playing on teams that often lack offensive firepower. Over his career, Gibson has posted a .914 save percentage and a 2.53 goals-against average (GAA), showcasing his ability to keep his team competitive even in the most difficult situations.

In recent seasons, however, the Ducks have been rebuilding, and while Gibson’s numbers have fluctuated, he has maintained his status as one of the league’s most talented goalies. What sets Gibson apart from other goaltenders is his ability to excel in high-pressure moments, making crucial saves in tight games. That kind of experience and composure in big moments would make him an invaluable asset for an Oilers team that is looking to make a deep run in the playoffs.

The Oilers’ Goaltending Situation: A Need for Change

The Edmonton Oilers have long been a team with offensive firepower, boasting one of the most potent forward groups in the league, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, despite the abundance of offensive talent, the team has often been plagued by inconsistent goaltending. Over the years, the Oilers have cycled through several netminders, including Cam Talbot, Mikko Koskinen, Mike Smith, and most recently, Jack Campbell.

While Campbell showed promise after joining the Oilers in the 2022 offseason, his performances have been inconsistent, and the Oilers have struggled to find stability in the crease. Despite flashes of brilliance, Campbell’s ability to carry the team over a long stretch has been called into question, and the Oilers need a goaltender who can provide consistent performances, particularly in high-stakes games.

With the Oilers currently sitting in a competitive Pacific Division and looking to compete for the Stanley Cup, general manager Ken Holland has recognized the need to shore up the goaltending position. Gibson has emerged as the most obvious trade target, as he offers an experienced, proven goaltender who can handle the pressure of a playoff run.

However, acquiring Gibson is no easy task, and the asking price for the Ducks’ starting goaltender is steep.

Anaheim’s Asking Price for John Gibson: A Significant Investment

As NHL insiders have confirmed, the Anaheim Ducks have set a high asking price for Gibson, reflecting both his status as a top-tier goaltender and his importance to the team. According to sources, the Ducks are asking for a first-round pick along with a top prospect and potentially another asset, such as a young roster player or a conditional pick that could depend on Gibson’s performance with the Oilers.

The reasoning behind this high asking price is clear. Gibson is one of the few goalies in the NHL who can change the trajectory of a game, and his trade value is at its peak. Despite Anaheim’s rebuild, Gibson is still a valuable asset who could provide the Ducks with the necessary pieces to accelerate their own rebuild. The Ducks are unlikely to part with their star goalie unless they receive a significant return.

Additionally, Gibson’s contract plays a role in the asking price. He is under contract through the 2026-2027 season with a cap hit of $6.4 million per year, which makes him a long-term asset for any team that acquires him. This long-term stability makes him an even more valuable asset for a team like the Oilers, who are looking to solidify their goaltending for the foreseeable future.

Given Gibson’s proven track record, his youth (he is still only 29), and his potential to be a top-tier goalie on a contender, it’s not surprising that the Ducks are asking for such a high return. For the Oilers, acquiring Gibson would come at a significant cost, but his ability to provide stability in net could make it worth the investment.

What the Oilers Would Gain from Acquiring John Gibson

If the Edmonton Oilers manage to meet the asking price and acquire John Gibson, the impact on the team would be significant. In terms of on-ice performance, Gibson would immediately become the Oilers’ No. 1 goaltender and provide the team with the stability they need in the crease. His ability to make key saves in big moments would be invaluable for a team with championship aspirations.

Moreover, Gibson’s experience in high-pressure games would be an asset for the Oilers, who are looking to go deep into the playoffs. A goaltender with Gibson’s pedigree has the potential to be the difference-maker in tight, high-stakes playoff games, which is exactly what the Oilers need to push them over the top in a highly competitive Western Conference.

In addition to his skill on the ice, Gibson would provide the Oilers with a reliable, consistent presence in net. The Oilers’ defense has been a point of concern at times, and having a goaltender like Gibson, who can bail out his team in difficult situations, would allow the team to focus on its offensive prowess and offensive depth. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the way up front, having a reliable goaltender in Gibson could be the missing piece for the Oilers in their quest for the Stanley Cup.

Potential Challenges for the Oilers

While Gibson’s acquisition would undoubtedly bolster the Oilers’ goaltending situation, there are a few challenges to consider. First, the price is steep, and the Oilers would need to part with significant assets to secure Gibson’s services. Given the team’s limited cap space, making a deal that works financially could be tricky.

Furthermore, there’s the question of the development of current Oilers goalies, namely Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner. Trading for Gibson could send a signal to Campbell that the Oilers no longer have confidence in his ability to be the team’s No. 1 goalie. Managing the situation with Campbell and Skinner could be a potential distraction as the Oilers look to make a push for the playoffs.