NHL insider confirms asking price for Oilers to acquire John Gibson in trade
The Oilers have been linked to John Gibson in trade rumours this season, and now one NHL insider has confirmed what it will cost Edmonton to acquire him in a trade.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman has already downplayed the idea of trading for a goaltender this year, but he may just be taking that position publicly to help in trade negotiations.
NHL insider confirms trade price to acquire John Gibson of Anaheim Ducks
According to a recent update from NHL insider David Pagnotta on the Hello Hockey show, Stuart Skinner would likely be involved in a deal for John Gibson, as well as a top-level prospect.
- David Pagnotta
Additionally, Elliotte Friedman reported earlier that Gibson would accept a trade to Edmonton under the condition that he is the full starter. This would create an obvious conflict with Skinner, who could be plausibly moved in a deal for Gibson.
Would the Edmonton Oilers pursue John Gibson at this asking price?
The Anaheim Ducks likely do need a goaltender in return for trading Gibson, but losing Skinner would be a shock to the Oilers roster.
It may not be a popular move, but it has potential to pay off massively by delivering the Oilers a Stanley Cup - or backfire completely if Gibson blows up. The Oilers should consider before the playoffs that Stuart Skinner struggles against top 10 teams.
Gibson is a 31 year veteran goalie of 500 NHL games, but there's risk in going all-in on a goaltender who has struggled in the last 5 years - although he is having a great year now with a .915 save percentage.
In addition to Stuart Skinner, if the Oilers had to part with top prospect Matthew Savoie, this trade may become too expensive for the Oilers. Savoie could be a key piece to the offence's future on a value contract, and there's other goalies available.
If the top prospect Pagnotta mentioned could be someone other than Savoie, then perhaps the Oilers could continue the conversations on Gibson. If not though, the Oilers should look at other options - primarily Karel Vejmelka of Utah Hockey Club.
Even if the Gibson trade is off the table for the reason of a steep price, the Oilers should still look at ways to improve their goaltending this season. It's their clear weakest position, and in year 10 of Connor McDavid, it's time to get a quality starting goalie.
