This former Sabres target is once again creating chatter in the rumor mill.
Leading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, the Buffalo Sabres were one of the teams linked to Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson. However, in the end, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native did not get traded before the deadline and finished the year with the Ducks.
However, while Gibson stayed put, that could very well change during the summer. While speaking with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Ducks GM Pat Verbeek noted that he is still listening to offers for Gibson.
Verbeek also said, "John's still a really good goalie. Obviously, there's a market for goalies out there."
John Gibson
Hearing that Verbeek is open to moving Gibson is not surprising. The veteran goaltender has been the subject of rumors for several seasons during the Ducks' rebuild. He would also potentially benefit from having a better defense in front of him.
Yet, while the Sabres' had an interest in Gibson leading up to the deadline, I don't see the fit now. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen broke out in a big way during the second half of the year and will get a raise this offseason. In addition, they have top prospect Devon Levi, who has the potential to be a long-term answer between the pipes.
If the Sabres worry that Levi is not ready for full-time NHL work next season, they could look to add a stop-gap goalie like Cam Talbot, Ilya Samsonov, or Anthony Stolarz on an affordable one-year deal. Gibson, on the other hand, has a $6.4 million cap hit until the end of the 2026-27 campaign. That's a lot of cash and term for a goalie who has struggled over the last few seasons.
