John Gibson wants to join the Edmonton Oilers

PUBLICATION

Patrick Frost
November 22, 2024 (2:15 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Breaking news out of TSN as hockey insider Pierre LeBrun has reported that Anaheim Ducks all-star goaltender John Gibson has expressed interest in joining the Edmonton Oilers.

»Gibson has a modified no-trade clause, but my understanding is he would consider the Oilers, who came one win short of the Cup last season.»
- Pierre LeBrun, The Athletic

Although the Oilers fanbase relishes the idea of having a goaltender of Gibson's stature join their Stanley Cup efforts, LeBrun emphasizes that Oilers would be reluctant to sign him, stating that the team seems firm on sticking with Stuart Skinner.

»That type of trade would have a lot of moving parts and affect their cap closer to March 7, I suspect the blue line will require an addition.»
- Pierre LeBrun, The Athletic

According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, One of the major benefits to committing to Skinner as a starting goalie is his low salary of $2.6M, which makes it easier to afford other star players in the roster.

Trading for John Gibson and his $6.4M contract for the next three seasons would require a major change in the Oilers salary cap situation, which is already going to be tight in the next few seasons. Gibson would need to come to Edmonton at 75% retained salary in a three-team deal.
-Liam McCormick, Oilers Daily

It's no secret at this point that the Edmonton Oilers are seeking some help on the blue-line, preferably a right-handed shot shut-down defenceman.

With that being said, Stuart Skinner's performance hasn't inspired a ton of hope as of late, especially considering last night's 5-2 loss against the Minnesota Wild.

Although it may be too early to consider giving up on Stuart Skinner just yet, general manager Stan Bowman has an interesting trade scenario to consider here.

Taking on Gibsons huge salary could be a massive risk for the team, but not entirely impossible if salary retention comes into play.