The Detroit Red Wings have made goaltending their top priority this offseason after years of searching for stability. Star forward Patrick Kane will be surrounded by a roster that aims to become even stronger heading into the 2025–26 NHL season. In that context, the team moved quickly to finalize a trade for a standout player from the Anaheim Ducks.
Kane was a key contributor last season, scoring 21 goals and adding 38 assists for a total of 59 points in 72 games with Detroit. However, the Red Wings know they need to do more this offseason to fully capitalize on the veteran 36-year-old’s experience.
Despite missing the playoffs, Kane remains a central piece for Detroit thanks to his offensive production. The Red Wings’ main weakness, though, has been on the defensive end. In line with that need, the franchise took action to add an experienced goaltender.
Who is the Red Wings’ new goalie?
Patrick Kane will now have a new netminder behind him, as the Red Wings have acquired Ducks goalie John Gibson, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed on the 32 Thoughts podcast. Anaheim receives goaltender Petr Mrazek, a second-round pick, and a fourth-round pick in return.
Goalie John Gibson during his stint with the Ducks
Gibson’s move ends a 12-year run in Anaheim. Last season, he posted his best numbers since 2019, finishing with an 11-11-2 record, a .912 save percentage, and a 2.77 goals-against average. The 31-year-old veteran originally joined the Ducks after being selected in the second round of the 2011 draft.
The Red Wings’ outlook
General manager Steve Yzerman had made it clear that the Red Wings needed an experienced goalie to complement their new offensive star and support the long-term vision. In this context, Gibson arrives with two years remaining on his contract and a cap hit of $6.4 million.
