Regardless of their hopes on the contrary, the Detroit Crimson Wings’ latest commerce for Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson won’t remedy their goalie woes.
On Saturday, Detroit traded goalkeeper Petr Mrazek, a 2026 fourth-round choose and 2027 second-rounder to Anaheim for Gibson, who spent his first 12 seasons with the Geese, profitable the 2015-16 William M. Jennings Trophy winner.
Extra not too long ago, Gibson allowed the league’s most objectives (200) in 2023-24, the primary season in a two-year stretch when he had a save share lower than 90%.
Gibson responded with a bounce-back 2024-25, ending the season ninth in save share (.911). Nonetheless, he appeared in his fewest video games (29) since his second yr within the league (2014-15) whereas coping with accidents, together with a decrease physique ailment that minimize his season quick.
Accidents have been a recurring theme in recent times for Gibson, which may restrict his manufacturing in Detroit.
The once-proud Crimson Wings are mired in arguably the worst stretch in franchise historical past, lacking the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 9 consecutive seasons and never profitable a postseason sequence since 2013.
Final season, Detroit ranked twenty first in objectives allowed per recreation (3.16) and tied for twentieth in save share (.896). Nonetheless, it was stable in even-strength conditions, rating eleventh with a .921 save share.
The Crimson Wings have been the league’s worst in opposition to at defending the facility play, ending 2024-25 with a 70.11 % kill charge, which ranked final.
Per Money Puck data, Gibson was center of the pack in 4-on-5 conditions, permitting 15 objectives, or half a purpose above anticipated.
Whereas that may be an enchancment over what Detroit had in internet final season, it won’t be sufficient to get it again to the playoffs or make any noise if it will get there.
The Crimson Wings could not sit idly, and Gibson was doubtlessly the perfect practical choice obtainable to enhance at goalie. Nonetheless, Detroit may want extra to get again on the monitor.
