Gibson Signs Entry Deal

While the anticipation of Justin Schultz decision has been the popular topic, the Ducks agreed to a deal with another one of their top prospects. Goaltender John Gibson, 2nd round pick (39th overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, signed a three-year entry deal on thursday night. He is most certainly the next starter-to-be for the Ducks after Jonas Hiller. I including Gibson in my honorable mentions section of my prospect update earlier in the season.

The Pittsburgh native is just 18-years-old but already has gotten his name out there through some great goaltending in the USNTDP and the Kitchener Rangers. He is tied for the lead in the CHL in save percentage at .926, tied with his teammate in Kitchener, Franky Palazzese. He’s gone 20-10-3 in his rookie season with the Rangers and is among the league leaders in many goaltending stats among rookies. In his one appearance in the most recent WJC, he stopped 23 of 27 shots against Finland.

I’m looking forward to his development as a goaltender during this entry-level contract. I would be pretty surprised if he does see time with the Ducks during this contract. The Ducks are set for at least a few more years with Hiller in net, he’s 30 years old. Once Gibson’s entry-level contract ends, I see him becoming a main stay in net for the Ducks for years to come. But, until then, we have to settle for Jonas Hiller. Isn’t that a shame??? Haha, I kid, I kid. The Ducks have always had good goaltenders and John Gibson is the next in line.

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