The Detroit Red Wings are making moves to end their playoff drought, and fans are buzzing about a potential blockbuster trade that could see them acquiring Anaheim Ducks’ star goalie John Gibson. A proposed trade pitch via PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool suggests Detroit could land Gibson, a three-time NHL All-Star, to solidify their net while allowing top prospect Sebastian Cossa more time to develop in the AHL.
In this pitch, the Red Wings would give up a hefty package, including a first- and second-round draft pick, and three players: defenseman Ben Chiarot, forward Andrew Copp, and promising prospect Marco Kasper. Chiarot, in the third year of his four-year, $19 million contract, is a solid second-pairing defenseman but could be moved to make way for younger players. Meanwhile, Copp hasn’t fully met expectations since signing his five-year, $28.13 million deal in 2022, and trading him would free up significant cap space.
Gibson’s long-term, $51.2 million contract extends through 2027, and the Red Wings are hopeful his potential can shine outside Anaheim, where inconsistent team performances have hampered his numbers. With Ville Husso, Cam Talbot, and Alex Lyon currently in Detroit’s net rotation, acquiring Gibson could prompt a move involving one of them, as Detroit rarely keeps three goalies on the roster.
Ducks GM Pat Verbeek confirmed this summer that Gibson’s name has come up in trade talks, and while the Ducks are open to keeping him, they’re also interested if the right deal emerges. Detroit’s GM Steve Yzerman hasn’t ruled out roster changes, and this deal could be the push the Red Wings need to make a serious playoff bid.
