NHL insider confirms asking price for Oilers to acquire John Gibson in trade

Additionally, Elliotte Friedman reported earlier that Gibson would accept a trade to Edmonton under the condition that he is the full-time starter. This would create an obvious conflict with Skinner, who could be plausibly moved in a deal for Gibson.

Would the Edmonton Oilers pursue John Gibson at this asking price?

The Anaheim Ducks likely do need a goaltender in return for trading Gibson, but losing Skinner would be a shock to the Oilers roster.

It may not be a popular move, but it has potential to pay off massively by delivering the Oilers a Stanley Cup — or backfire completely if Gibson blows up. The Oilers should consider before the playoffs that Stuart Skinner struggles against top-10 teams.

Gibson is a 31-year-old veteran goalie of 500 NHL games, but there's risk in going all-in on a goaltender who has struggled in the last five years — although, he is having a great season now with a .915 save percentage.

In addition to Stuart Skinner, if the Oilers had to part with top prospect Matthew Savoie, this trade may become too expensive for the Oilers. Savoie could be a key piece to the offense's future on a value contract, and there's other goalies available.

If the top prospect Pagnotta mentioned could be someone other than Savoie, then perhaps the Oilers could continue the conversations on Gibson. If not though, the Oilers should look at other options — primarily Karel Vejmelka of Utah Hockey Club.

Even if the Gibson trade is off the table for the reason of a steep price, the Oilers should still look at ways to improve their goaltending this season. It's their clear weakest position, and in Year 10 of Connor McDavid, it's time to get a quality starting goalie.