John Gibson trade might not be solution to Red Wings' goalie woes

More recently, Gibson allowed the league's most goals (200) in 2023-24, the first season in a two-year stretch when he had a save percentage less than 90%.

Gibson responded with a bounce-back 2024-25, finishing the season ninth in save percentage (.911). However, he appeared in his fewest games (29) since his second year in the league (2014-15) while dealing with injuries, including a lower body ailment that cut his season short.

Injuries have been a recurring theme in recent years for Gibson, which could limit his production in Detroit.

The once-proud Red Wings are mired in arguably the worst stretch in franchise history, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs in nine consecutive seasons and not winning a postseason series since 2013.

Last season, Detroit ranked 21st in goals allowed per game (3.16) and tied for 20th in save percentage (.896). However, it was solid in even-strength situations, ranking 11th with a .921 save percentage.

The Red Wings were the league's worst against at defending the power play, ending 2024-25 with a 70.11 percent kill rate, which ranked last.

Per Money Puck data, Gibson was middle of the pack in 4-on-5 situations, allowing 15 goals, or half a goal above expected.

While that would be an improvement over what Detroit had in net last season, it might not be enough to get it back to the playoffs or make any noise if it gets there.

The Red Wings couldn't sit idly, and Gibson was potentially the best realistic option available to improve at goalie. However, Detroit might need more to get back on the track.