NHL Trade Rumors: Oilers & Red Wings Linked to Goalie Trade
Keep an eye on the Detroit Red Wings and Edmonton Oilers, as there's growing speculation the two teams could be doing some business together.
A few different reports have surfaced stating the Oilers may be interested in taking John Gibson off the Red Wings hands, only months after GM Steve Yzerman acquired the veteran goaltender from the Anaheim Ducks. A big reason is because the Red Wings have been getting solid goaltending from Cam Talbot, and they have one of the best goaltending prospects in all of hockey in Sebastian Cossa, who is waiting in the wings in the AHL, where he's absolutely steamrolling the competition.
Gibson was acquired by the Red Wings for Petr Mrazek, and a second-rounder, and fourth-rounder, but since joining Detroit, his trade stock has decreased. Gibson's posted a 5-7-1 record, along with a 3.62 goals against average, and a .868 save percentage. Gibson is owed $6.4 million AAV this season and next, has 10-team no-trade protection, and could potentially have the Oilers on his no-fly list.
As far as trade options, because the Oilers have limited cap space, this is going to get complicated. Stuart Skinner would be involved, and very likely a third team to try and get some of Gibson's remaining money retained.
The Athletic's Sean McIndoe touched on what a Gibson to Edmonton scenario might look like in a recent article:
Admittedly, Gibson is the weakest option of the bunch in terms of being an upgrade over what the Oilers have now. But he’s still a relatively big name, and it’s not unrealistic to imagine that the Wings might be having some buyer’s remorse. And since he was just traded a few months ago, it wouldn’t be that hard to haggle on a price now. The Wings have been getting solid goaltending from Cam Talbot and Sebastian Cossa sure looks ready, so they might be open to talking here. Gibson’s numbers aren’t great, but he’s had some stretches in recent years where he’s looked very good, especially earlier in seasons before the Ducks wore him out. Have him split time with Skinner and then play the hot hand during the playoffs, and at least nobody can say you didn’t try something.
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
