A proposed trade scenario would send veteran goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks to the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Detroit Red Wings would acquire a goaltender with a $7 million salary cap hit, according to a trade pitch outlined by Jonathan Vankin for Yahoo Sports on October 29, 2026.
The hypothetical deal centers on Gibson, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Ducks since being drafted in 2011. The 31-year-old netminder carries a $6.4 million annual cap hit through the 2026-27 season. Toronto has been seeking goaltending stability, while Detroit continues its rebuild under general manager Steve Yzerman.
Vankin's analysis suggests the Red Wings would receive a younger, less expensive goaltending option at $7 million, though the specific target was not named in the pitch summary. The Maple Leafs would assume Gibson's contract in exchange for assets that could include draft picks or prospects.
Neither the Ducks, Maple Leafs, nor Red Wings have publicly commented on the proposal, which remains a speculative exercise by the author. Trade discussions around Gibson have surfaced periodically in recent seasons as Anaheim navigates a rebuilding phase.
