Offseason Trade Or Keep, Goalie Edition: Ducks, Blue Jackets, Canucks

The free agent goalie market this offseason is very weak, and after Frederik Andersen re-signed with the Carolina Hurricanes, there are even fewer options for teams in need of a change. There are three names that have been floating around more than not and we'll dive into whether they have a solid chance of being traded or the teams will keep them through the offseason.

John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks

This may finally be the time that the Anaheim Ducks trade John Gibson. He was stellar before their rebuild and his numbers have fallen because of it. With all of the talented young players coming into their own, a good mix of veterans, and Joel Quenneville as the new head coach, this is the season where the Ducks can finally take a step into the playoffs again. But is Gibson a part of that?

He had a strong season in 2024-25, but was ultimately the backup to Lukas Dostal, who is younger and the future in Anaheim. Gibson has been in the rumour mill for a few years now and he is still capable of being a starter when healthy. He may be the most sought after option for teams looking for a goaltending upgrade, even with his cap hit. Where the Ducks will get a backup if moving on from Gibson will have to come from free agency, but he is likely to finally be traded so Dostal will completely be able to take over.

Elvis Merzlikins, Columbus Blue Jackets

Goaltending heading into the offseason for the Columbus Blue Jackets is interesting and could possibly go a couple of ways. Elvis Merzlikins is the starter and while he didn't have a great season, he did his job while Daniil Tarasov struggled a lot more. If Tarasov had a better 2024-25 season, then I would be saying Merzlikins is much more likely to be traded, but a tandem of Merzlikins and Jet Greaves could do the trick even better with Tarasov sinking to the third string.

The Blue Jackets need better goaltending and Greaves provided that down the stretch. If Merzlikins wasn't played as much, the overall numbers of the team may improve and rest could be a good thing. It's tougher to trade Merzlikins with weaker numbers and multiple years left without great options to replace his games played. I think the Blue Jackets hang onto their veteran netminder until at least next offseason and see if he improves or not.

Thatcher Demko, Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks aren't in a great spot overall, but don't have a great deal of problems in net. Kevin Lankinen was brought in, did a great job, and was given a multi-year extension. This all but confirms that the Canucks are moving on from Thatcher Demko, whether it be this offseason or when he becomes a UFA. If their plan is to move on from their once star goalie, the best course of action is to get something back for him. That would be through a trade heading into his final season.

There will be teams desperate enough or willing to take a chance on a former star with injury issues as he is still better than many goalies in the league. Arturs Silovs struggles in the NHL this season, but has turned it completely around in the AHL as he now has four shutouts in just the playoffs. If Demko is moved, which I think is the likely option for the Canucks, Silovs and potentially a third goalie who is signed in free agency will battle it out for the backup role to Lankinen.