For several consecutive seasons, John Gibson's name has been floating around out there in the trade market. He has long been connected to Toronto in various trade rumours, but until now, he hasn't expressed a desire to leave Anaheim. Well, now it's official. Gibson wants out.
Gibson has spent the last 10 seasons of his career in Anaheim with the team that drafted him 39th overall back in 2011. Over those 10 seasons, he has amassed just 26 playoff games in his career. Now, approaching age 30, Gibson wants a change of scenery and, more importantly, a chance to compete in the playoffs.
Could the Leafs be a fit for Gibson? It's really tough to say. In years past, this one might have been a no-brainer. Gibson was a top goalie in the league for a good amount of time, but mostly played on some truly bad Ducks teams. Now, however, the Leafs are in a better position in goal, thanks in large to the play of Ilya Samsonov and the emergence of Joseph Woll as a legitimate NHL goaltending prospect.
Gibson was a top-5 goaltender in goals against average in back-to-back seasons in 2015-16 and 2016-17 and is a 3-time NHL All-Star (2016, 2019, 2022). It will be interesting to see where he lands and how active the Leafs are in pursuing a trade for him.