Gibson Signs 3 year Extension with Ducks

Photo Credit – Ed Mullholland / USA Today Sports

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that they’ve signed goaltender John Gibson to a 3 year $6.9 million contract extension. The contract is fair as Gibson is likely in the position to be Fredrick Andersons backup in Anaheim this season.

The 22-year-old Gibson is considered one of the top goaltending prospects in hockey. He will have to battle for the backup role, but the contract shows he will be a Ducks goalie next season. Currently Anaheim Anton Khudobin who is a solid NHL backup and could help the Ducks if Gibson gets hurt. The other option is make Gibson the starter for the Ducks' AHL affiliate in San Diego. He is on a two-way contract until next season, and the Ducks could cash in on development building if he played a starters amount of games.

"I'm just looking forward to playing," Gibson said. "Obviously I want to be here sooner than later, but I can't really control that. Just going to play, and play my best." Gibson said to reporters following signing his new deal.

Gibson’s contract for this season will pay him $720,000, but next season he will make $1.5 million, $2.1 million in 2017-18 and $3.3 million in 2018-19. The Ducks aren’t paying Gibson $3.3 million to be a backup in 2018-19. I would believe they want Gibson to be a regular NHL player and possible starting goalie.

Both goalies, Gibson and Andersen were scheduled to become restricted free agents next season. Ducks general manager Bob Murray wanted to lock up his young talent long-term. He stated in an interview that he told Gibson that "early on this year, things could be rough." This could mean Gibson being sent down to the AHL to be their starting goalie.

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