Are the stars finally aligning for the Leafs to land John Gibson?
For years on end, the Maple Leafs have struggled to find a legitimate starting goaltender, despite being linked to a number of top netminders, including John Gibson.
Just two short summers ago, there were heavy rumours linking Gibson and the Maple Leafs. However, when Gibson's agent, Kurt Overhardt, caught wind of them, he was quick to shoot them down.
Well, another year, another fresh set of rumours and now Gibson's name is back in the rumour mill. With the Leafs set to part ways with Ilya Samsonov this summer and with the uncertainty surrounding Joseph Woll due to his lingering health issues, perhaps Gibson to Toronto will finally become a reality.
The veteran netminder has 3 seasons left on his deal at $6.4M per season, per CapFriendly. His estimated career earnings currently sit at approximately $34M and while he's getting up there in age, the 30-year-old can still play the game at a high level and could be ready for a change after so many years of disappointment in Anaheim.
Over the last 3 seasons, we've seen Gibson's numbers take a bit of a nose-dive as the Ducks navigate their way through a top-to-bottom rebuild. As a result of his numbers taking a hit, Gibson and his $6.4M salary have been viewed at times as "unmovable". However, if the Ducks are willing to retain some salary with their window still very much closed, perhaps there's room for the Leafs to make something work.
Other names that the Leafs have been linked to include Jacob Markstrom and Juuse Saros, but with Calgary showing a reluctance to deal with Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and with Nashville showing interest in re-upping Saros, we could very well see the Leafs shift their focus to some of the other options on the market, Gibson among them.
Source: CapFriendly
John Gibson Contract, Cap Hit, Salary and Stats
| POLL | ||
7 JUIN | 377 ANSWERS Are the stars finally aligning for the Leafs to land John Gibson? Should the Leafs pursue a deal for Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson this summer? | ||
| Yes, we need a true starter | 74 | 19.6 % |
| No, that deal is awful | 203 | 53.8 % |
| Woll is fine. Get him a solid backup. | 100 | 26.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
