Another piece of the defensive future of the Detroit Red Wings is under contract and part of the organization going forward. On Sunday, the Red Wings were announcing the signing of defenseman Andrew Gibson to a three-year entry-level contract that will begin with the 2024-25 season.
For the immediate future, Gibson is signing an amateur tryout contract. He’ll be reporting to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign.
Gibson’s OHL club, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyounds, suffered elimination from the OHL playoffs on Tuesday. They fell in Game 7 of their second-round series to the Saginaw Spirit.
Gibson, 19, drew two assists and was plus-five in 11 playoff games for the Greyhounds.
Red Wings Took Gibson In Second Round
Detroit made the 6-foot-4, 206-pound right-shot defender the 42nd player chosen in the 2023 NHL entry draft.
“I’m a bigger guy, I like to use my size to my advantage,” Gibson said. “I think I skate well for a big guy as well.
“I think I can play both ends of the ice, but offensively and defensively.”
Gibson was displaying the offensive touch during the regular season. He set career highs with 12 goals and 32 assists. He was accounting for a four-point game and a trio of three-point games among nine multi-point games for Sault Ste. Marie this season.
As well, his plus-36 rating wound up leading the Greyhounds. It was good for 14th overall in the OHL.
“I’m looking to use my size more to my advantage within the next couple of years,” Gibson said. “I think I can make an impact for the team.
“I think I’m a pretty good skater for a big guy but I’m looking to improve on that as well.”
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