NHL insider shares bad news for Oilers pursuit of John Gibson in trade from Anaheim Ducks
Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez - USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers have been connected to acquiring Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson in trade, but now Elliotte Friedman is doubting a move will happen.
John Gibson has suffered an upper-body injury recently. Friedman believes injury concerns around Gibson will stop the Oilers from making a deal.
On today's edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said that Gibson's lengthy injury history will deter the Oilers from making a move to trade for him.
Gibson got hurt again. I know everyone's heard my Edmonton-Gibson thing. There's just no way Edmonton can do that. They just can't He keeps getting hurt.
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Gibson sustained another upper body injury in January of this season, and last season sustained 4 different injuries. He did play 46 games last year, but Gibson's been limited to 24 games this season. Ducks head coach Greg Cronin has called Gibson's injury a recurring issue.
Earlier this year, Elliotte Friedman revealed the Ducks goaltender would be willing to waive his no-move clause for a trade to Edmonton, but that he wouldn't want to be in a tandem - meaning the Oilers would have to move Stuart Skinner.
One of the things I've heard during the season was that Gibson's preferences were Edmonton and Carolina One thing I heard is that Gibson wants a situation where he's going to be the number one. And it's sort of going to be his job, he wants to be the guy So, I don't know if a Gibson - Skinner duo is going to work for him.
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Stuart Skinner has struggled this season with a .898 save percentage and particularly against top ten teams. The Oilers don't have to trade their cheap hometown starter, but picking up a tandem to go alongside Skinner in the playoffs is a must.
Despite his injury problems, Gibson has had an incredible season. On a struggling Ducks team, Gibson has a .916 save percentage and ranks 9th in the NHL in GSAx per 60 according to MoneyPuck.
Gibson would still be an upgrade in net for the Oilers, but his injury problems do pose a serious concern for Edmonton. Potentially, Utah Hockey Club goalie Karel Vejmelka will a better option for the Oilers.
The Oilers do need a reliable starting goalie for their playoff run - that's why they need an upgrade on Skinner and Pickard. If Gibson can't be reliably available, he shouldn't be an Oilers trade target.
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
