Opinion: Are John Gibson’s Days Numbered in Detroit?

The Detroit Red Wings, as a franchise, are in an interesting situation. They have their former captain, Dylan Larkin, who has requested a trade. He initially had a list of three teams, which expanded two more times and now sits at 10 teams. They also have defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who wants a trade out of Detroit. Then there is the team’s goaltending situation.

Detroit entered the season with John Gibson and Daniil Tarasov in goal. Gibson is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Tarasov signed a one-year deal and will also become a free agent after this season.

The Red Wings also have Michal Postava, who just won AHL Goaltender of the Month for October. He also picked up his first career NHL win in his first career NHL start.

A trade involving Larkin is coming. A trade involving Edvinsson remains an interesting conversation because Detroit doesn’t want to move him and would prefer to sign him. But what about another name on the trade front? What about Gibson?

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John Gibson Could Be on the Trade Block

Tarasov has been solid, Postava has impressed, and Trey Augustine is on his way. Gibson is a name to watch.

A team like the New York Rangers could use his services after losing their starting goaltender, Igor Shesterkin, for the season. Dylan Garand received the opportunity, but he has struggled since taking over, outside of last night’s performance.

Gibson could be an option for a team looking to improve its goaltending situation. With Detroit’s recent success in net and the promising goaltenders coming through its system, Gibson could find his way out of a Winged Wheel sweater.

Gibson sustained an injury last night in a 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He entered the game with a 4-5-1 record, a 3.37 goals-against average, and an .860 save percentage.

Daniil Tarasov Making a Case for More Playing Time

Tarasov entered last night’s game with a 2-0-2 record, a 1.76 goals-against average, a .927 save percentage, and one shutout.

He ranked fourth in the NHL in goals-against average and was tied for fourth in save percentage. Those numbers show that Tarasov is more than capable of handling a starting goaltender’s workload moving forward.

With Gibson struggling to find consistency and now dealing with an injury, Tarasov has an opportunity to establish himself as Detroit’s go-to option.

Michal Postava and Trey Augustine Give Detroit Options

Postava has also given Detroit plenty of reasons to be excited. In five AHL games, he is 5-0-0 with a 1.20 goals-against average and a .955 save percentage.

He has also appeared in two NHL games, going 1-0-0 with a 2.89 goals-against average and an .886 save percentage.

At 24 years old, Postava is another option for Detroit moving forward. Meanwhile, Augustine, 21, continues to represent another important part of the organization’s goaltending future.

Detroit has multiple young goaltenders who could become part of its long-term plans, making Gibson’s situation worth monitoring.

Are John Gibson’s Days Numbered in Detroit?

There are multiple teams that could use Gibson’s services and potentially bring back something worthwhile for Detroit.

Postava is 24, Tarasov is 27 and could be re-signed, and Augustine is 21. Gibson is 33 and doesn’t necessarily fit into the Red Wings’ current timeline.

He has done his job in Detroit, but with the goaltending depth the organization has available and the potential return Gibson could bring in a trade, it may be time to move on.

The Red Wings have other issues to address, including the Larkin situation and Edvinsson’s contract. However, Gibson is another name that could be on the move soon.

His days in Detroit may be numbered, and the Red Wings could be better off moving him while they have the opportunity.