Detroit — Coming out of the NHL Draft over the weekend, all 32 teams probably felt good about their futures.
But the Red Wings upgraded themselves immediately at an important position.
Goaltending has been a gnawing problem for years, but general manager Steve Yzerman made a swing at the issue Saturday, acquiring Anaheim’s John Gibson for goaltender Petr Mrazek, a 2026 fourth-round pick and 2027 second-round pick.
Gibson, 31, has been rumored to be on the Ducks’ trading block for years, but even more so this summer after the emergence of young goaltender Lukas Dostal. The Wings often have been considered a possible trading partner, and it finally came together over the weekend.
“We just think he’s a good goaltender and the best option for us right now,” Yzerman said. “We’re hopeful and expecting him to perform at a high-level next year. Taking into account the player we’re acquiring, what we had to give up to acquire him, what I like about this is we think John has a lot of good hockey left in him.
“We’re very hopeful of that and believe in that, and we thought it was a good option. He’s signed for two (more) seasons and that gives us, both of us, options to see how things play out.”
Gibson had two more seasons at a $6.4 million annual average value, but that still leaves the Wings with more than $18 million salary cap space. Gibson was 11-11-2 with the Ducks last season in 29 games, with a 2.77 goals-against average and .911 save percentage, as injuries and Dostal’s play pushed Gibson to the bench.
In 506 career games, all with Anaheim, Gibson has a 204-217-63 record, with a 2.89 GAA and .910 SVS.
“We made the trade to upgrade ourselves in net,” Yzerman said.
The Wings expect Gibson to handle the bulk of work in net, with holdover Cam Talbot, 38 on Saturday, backing Gibson.
Yzerman wouldn’t rule out keeping a third veteran goaltender, as he’s done the past two seasons.
Alex Lyon, an unrestricted free agent Tuesday after two seasons with the Wings, is someone Yzerman plans to keep in touch with.
“Certainly not opposed to it,” said Yzerman of keeping three goaltenders. “It’s been kind of a necessity (for the Wings) and it’s helped us. Out of respect and interest, I will be planning on speaking with (Lyon).”
Wings’ 1-2 punch
After acquiring Gibson, Yzerman and his scouting staff completed the draft Saturday. The Wings plucked forward Carter Bear in Friday’s first-round and added seven players Saturday.
“We are able to address some needs as far as depth in the prospect pool,” Yzerman said. “We’ll try to do our best and to be patient and develop them and help them along the way to become professional players and hopefully play for the Red Wings.”
Bear and second-round selection Eddie Genborg are similar players. Both enjoy the physical part of the game, enjoy getting to the hard areas of the ice, and play the type of game Kris Draper, the Wings’ director of amateur scouting, liked watching in the playoffs.
“The one thing that really sticks out is how hard it is to play, the compete,” said Draper of playoff hockey. “You look at the teams that were successful and able to go on a run, they had guys that could skate, guys that were hard to play against, responsible hockey players.”
Genborg, in a Zoom call Saturday with Detroit media, made sure fans realize what they were getting.
“I would probably say that I’m a very physical player,” Genborg said. “I really like to play physical and pretty good skater and love to compete on the ice.”
The Wings host their annual development camp beginning Monday. It’s the first step toward acclimating them to the Wings’ organization.
“We know we have to be patient,” Draper said. “We want these young players to be chomping at the bit, doing everything they can to make a push for the Detroit Red Wings.”
In other developments during a busy weekend:
▶ The NHL buyout window concludes Monday at 5 p.m. but Yzerman doesn’t plan on using it.
There was ample speculation the Wings were considering buying out forward Vladimir Tarasenko and/or defenseman Justin Holl. But Yzerman didn’t sound as if that was in the offing.
“I don’t expect to buy anybody out at this point,” Yzerman said.
▶ Forward Patrick Kane, who can be an unrestricted free agent Tuesday when the market opens, hasn’t re-signed yet but Yzerman was optimistic the two sides will reach an agreement.
Kane and the Wings agreed on a one-year contract last year the night before free agency began — and it sounds something similar could occur.
“I’m hopeful that we can get something done soon, that’s my intention,” Yzerman said. “We’ll see if we can’t get that done shortly. It’s a busy time for everyone. I’ve had some discussions with both Patrick and Pat Brisson, his agent. Once you get around the draft the agents have a lot of other things they’re doing as well.”
tkulfan@detroitnews.com
@tkulfan
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