There were all sorts of rumours about goalies coming to Toronto before the trade deadline last week. From Semyon Varlamov, James Reimer to even John Gibson. All of the names seemed to be pie in the sky dreams with the exception of maybe Reimer because of the acquisition price along with the cap hit of $2,250,000 until the end of the 222-2023 season.
Some unsubstantiated rumours are coming out that the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs had discussed a William Nylander for John Gibson trade. Nylander, 25, has a cap hit of $6,972,366 until the end of the 2023-2024 season. Gibson, 28, has a cap hit of $6,400,000 until the end of the 2026-2027 season.
The last 3 seasons Gibsons' numbers have been on the decline. He had a save percentage of .917 in the 2018-2019 season for the Ducks. Followed by the next 3 seasons of .904, .903, and .904 this season. Injuries have played a bit of a factor this season for Gibson. He has also been forced to be a workhorse for the Ducks over his career.
Nylander, is having a career year for the Buds. He has 24 goals and 59 points in 65 games. He is 2 points away from matching his career high of 61 points in a season. While the points have come this season it has been Nylander's play without the puck and on the defensive side that has got him into the Dog House with Head Coach Sheldon Keefe on multiple occasions this season.
Opinion: If the Leafs end up out after round 1 again I can definitely see 1 of the big 4 being moved and Nylander seems like the player. I would be calling the Ducks gauging the price on Gibson. The Pittsburgh Native holds a 10 team no trade clause so he will have some say on where he is stopping pucks next season.
