“Carolina is uppermost in his mind”: NHL insider drops honest take on John Gibson’s future with Anaheim Ducks

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman discussed John Gibson’s future with the Anaheim Ducks on Friday's episode of "32 Thoughts." He believes this could be the year Gibson is traded. Friedman mentioned that Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has asked for a lot in return, but many teams are no longer looking for a goalie.

"I think this is the year that John Gibson goes. Now, I've heard Verbeek is asking a lot," Friedman said. "He hasn't bent, but look at all the goalies coming off the market now. Blackwood traded, and signed. Colorado, says we've liked this guy before. But we're not trading for him, and we're getting off this goalie merry-go-round, We're keeping him." [28:50]

Carolina is one team that could be interested, but other teams may show interest as well.

"I know Carolina is uppermost in his mind, and something that the Hurricanes have danced with from time to time," Friedman added.

In his last five games, John Gibson has made key saves, including 36 against the Tampa Bay Lightning and 27 against the Winnipeg Jets.

Elliotte Friedman's perspective on John Gibson's no-trade clause

Elliotte Friedman also said John Gibson may need to adjust his trade preferences. Like Cam Fowler, Gibson might have to be open to places he initially didn't consider.

"Other thing Gibson has to understand is he can't be picky about where he goes. He had a no trade clause," Friedman said. "He was very picky about where he's gonna go, but it's like Fowler, right? Like cam Fowler had a no trade clause ... He knew that he had to bend it ... And he's ended up in St Louis .... Gibson is going to have to do the same thing.

"He might have to say, You know what? Maybe this wasn't a place I thought of initially, but if I really want out of here, I think he does want out of there, and I think they do want to move on from him too." [30:32]

Gibson's experience and steady play are valuable to the Ducks, even though the team is struggling. They have a record of 17-19-5 and are seven points behind the wild card spot held by Vancouver Canucks.