The team seems to agree – per Eric Stephens of the OC Register, the Ducks have re-upped Gibson on a three year deal, worth a total of $6.9 million.
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As Anaheim’s bona fide starter in the 2014-2015 season, Andersen – who carried the club through the post-season with a 16 game appearance – posted a.914 SV% in 54 regular season games.
With Andersen on contract and the team trading to acquire Anton Khudobin in June, the most likely scenario for Gibson is to start the season in the AHL getting as much ice time as possible.
Then, presumably, Gibson would challenge Andersen for the starting gig in 2016-17, when his new contract kicks in. “I want young players who want to stay and be a part of this organization,” said General Manager Bob Murray, who has spoken to representatives of Despres and Vatanen. “Just going to play, and play my best”.
Gibson saw quite a bit of playing time during February and March last season, however, he broke his thumb in April and was unavailable to back up Andersen in the playoffs.
Entering Monday, the only goaltender in the Anaheim Ducks organization signed beyond this coming season was Matt Hackett. Before, I was a little bit up in the air because of so many things that could happen.
Gibson is still one of the sport’s top goalies despite his current holding pattern, and he is expected to be a strong candidate to start for the Young Stars team at the World Cup of Hockey in Toronto next summer.
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“It’s exciting, but now I’ve got training camp and worry about this team first”, Gibson said.
