5 NHL buyout candidates New Jersey Devils should keep an eye on
By Nick Villano
John Gibson
Anaheim Ducks
This one would be a huge surprise, but the Anaheim Ducks have been trying to get John Gibson off their team for two years. They asked for the moon this season, which is why he is still in Anaheim. GM Pat Verbeek has been known as someone who tries to squeeze as much value out of every trade as possible, but Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald has been known as a patient GM who will wait until the price drops.
How does free sound as a price? Many thought the Devils would target John Gibson, but it sounds like they targetted Linus Ullmark, Jacob Markstrom, Juuse Saros, and current Devils goalie Jake Allen, instead. However, if the prices are still insane for goalies this summer, would he consider a deal where he signs John Gibson for free, gives him an amazing team that could rebuild his value, then the two find their forever homes after next season?
It’s hard to believe Devils fans would be completely satisfied with a Gibson-Allen-Daws possibility going into next season, but it might be better than trading Dawson Mercer+ for a guy like Ullmark who still could be a product of the system.
Gibson was really good to start the season last year, but he fell off when it became clear he wasn’t being traded. He’s a clear “change-of-scenery” candidate. He was once one of the best in the league, which is when he earned his current contract. A buyout would cost the Ducks $2.13 million over the next six seasons. We’re sure Verbeek is actively trying to trade Gibson today, but if it doesn’t work out, he might just say goodbye and see ya later.