Fansided

Anaheim Ducks pay John Gibson like an elite goaltender. Can he be one?

By Brad Berreman

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 12: John Gibson #36 of the Anaheim Ducks reacts to a San Jose Sharks goal in Game One of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 12, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 12: John Gibson #36 of the Anaheim Ducks reacts to a San Jose Sharks goal in Game One of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 12, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
facebooktwitterreddit

John Gibson may not yet be an elite goaltender, but the Anaheim Ducks are going to pay him like one pretty soon.

After a top-10 finish in Rookie of the Year voting in 2015-16, Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson has been an All-Star in each of the past two seasons. Entering the final year of his contract, the Ducks announced they’ve agreed to an eight-year contract extension with the 25-year old through the 2026-27 season. He will make $2.3 million next season.

Gibson missed some time with injuries last year, playing in 60 regular season games. But he had a solid campaign, with 31 wins (tied for 10th in the league), a .926 save percentage (eighth in the league) and a 2.43 goals-against average (12th in the league).

The team did not disclose the financial terms of the deal. But Eric Stephens of The Athletic reported a $6.4 million average annual value, which puts Gibson is some heady company among his peers.

As Cap Friendly cites, Gibson’s deal is a solid comp to the six-year $37 million deal ($6.167 million average annual value) Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck signed last month.

The primary difference between the two goalies last year is shown in playoff performance. Hellebuyck pretty much maintained his regular season numbers as the Jets made it to the Western Conference Finals, while Gibson fell to a .889 save percentage and a 3.60 goals-against average as the Ducks were swept by the San Jose Sharks in the first round. They are the same age, but Hellebuyck’s deal is two years shorter and Winnipeg should get the rest of his best years. The Ducks, on the other hand, may wind up paying Gibson at a top level when his play doesn’t meet that standard.

Next. Ranking the Anaheim Ducks alternate jerseys. dark

An elite goalie can be a great equalizer, especially in playoff hockey when everything tightens up. Gibson left a lot to be desired last spring, including getting pulled from one playoff game. The Ducks are making an aggressive bet that, at minimum, his best in the postseason is yet to come.

Home/Anaheim Ducks