Detroit Red Wings Acquire Goaltender John Gibson from Anaheim Ducks

In a significant move during the 2025 NHL Draft, the Detroit Red Wings have acquired veteran goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. The trade, reported on June 28, 2025, involves the Red Wings sending goaltender Petr Mrazek along with two draft picks to Anaheim, marking a pivotal moment for both franchises.

According to Elliotte Friedman, a well-respected hockey insider for Sportsnet, the Red Wings will part with a 2027 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick in exchange for Gibson. The Ducks confirmed the trade, which notably does not involve any salary retention, as stated by Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.

Gibson, a cornerstone of the Ducks for much of the 2010s, has had a remarkable career with the franchise. He holds the record for the most games played by a Ducks goaltender and ranks second in all-time wins, with 204, just two behind Jean-Sebastien Giguere. His accolades include a strong start to his career, where he posted above a .915 save percentage in each of his first four full seasons, highlighted by a .926 save percentage during the 2017-18 season.

However, Gibson's performance has seen fluctuations in recent years. After a strong beginning, he struggled with consistency, particularly in the 2020-21 season, where he recorded a save percentage of just .903. His decline continued, culminating in a disappointing season last year, where he posted an .888 save percentage in 46 games, leading to a loss of his starting position to prospect Lukas Dostal.

Despite these challenges, Gibson rebounded this past season, showcasing his potential with an 11-11-2 record and a .911 save percentage in 29 games. This resurgence is likely what prompted the Red Wings to invest in him, as they look to bolster their goaltending roster, which already includes Cam Talbot and top prospect Sebastian Cossa.

From the Red Wings’ perspective, acquiring Gibson provides them with a goaltender who has a long-term contract and a cap hit of $6.4 million through the next two seasons. This strategic acquisition may set Gibson up for a starting role in the near future, especially as the team navigates the contractual situations of Talbot and Cossa, both of whom will require new deals next year.

Conversely, Anaheim's decision to trade Gibson reflects a significant shift for the franchise. By bringing in Mrazek, who has a wealth of experience from his 13 NHL seasons, the Ducks aim to fill their backup role while they develop Dostal. Mrazek’s performance may not have been stellar in Chicago, with a .899 save percentage, but he has shown potential in more limited roles, as evidenced by his brief but effective stint with Detroit at the trade deadline.

This trade holds broader implications for both teams. For the Red Wings, it signifies a commitment to competitive play, as they seek to improve their standing in the NHL. For the Ducks, it marks a new chapter as they transition towards a younger roster.

As both teams navigate this trade, analysts and fans alike will be watching closely to see how Gibson adapts to his new environment and how Mrazek performs in Anaheim. The trade not only reshapes the goaltending landscape for both franchises but also sets the stage for potential future developments in the league, particularly as the Red Wings look to reclaim their status as a playoff contender.