Are the Detroit Red Wings trading John Gibson to the Edmonton Oilers? We analyze the latest NHL rumors, Gibson’s recent shutout, and what it means for 2026.
Just when it seemed like John Gibson’s tenure in Hockeytown was destined to be a short-lived experiment, the veteran netminder flipped the script.
If you’ve been scanning the wire over the past 72 hours, you know the noise has been deafening. Following a rocky start after his summer acquisition from Anaheim, speculation exploded linking Gibson to the Edmonton Oilers. With Edmonton’s goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard struggling to find consistency, Oilers GM Stan Bowman has reportedly been aggressive in searching for a veteran stabilizer.
But then Monday night happened.
The Trade Talk vs. The Performance
Gibson’s 39-save shutout against the Vancouver Canucks wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Prior to that gem, the 32-year-old was sitting on a sub-.900 save percentage, fueling reports from outlets like The Athletic that Detroit might cut bait early. The theory? Move Gibson to a desperate Edmonton squad, clear the $6.4M cap hit, and hand the keys to surging prospect Sebastian Cossa in Grand Rapids.
Why the Oilers Connection Makes Sense
From an Oilers perspective, the fit is obvious. Edmonton is in “win-now” mode but leaking goals. Gibson, despite his early struggles in Detroit, has the pedigree and playoff experience they crave. Rumors suggested a package involving salary retention or a third team to make the money work.
However, I wouldn’t pack Gibson’s bags just yet. Monday’s shutout proves he still has elite ability when healthy and dialed in. Steve Yzerman didn’t trade Petr Mrazek and draft capital just to fold his hand three months into the season. Unless Edmonton makes an offer that blows the doors off—perhaps involving a high draft pick or a roster player to help Detroit’s depth—I expect the Red Wings to ride this hot hand. But in the NHL, things change fast. If Gibson stumbles again on the upcoming road trip, expect those phone lines between Detroit and Edmonton to light up once more.
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