Trade Proposal: Canadiens Eye Gibson to Bolster Goaltending
As the Montreal Canadiens make a push for a playoff spot, they may look to upgrade their goaltending situation by exploring a trade with the Anaheim Ducks.
The proposed deal would send Sam Montembeault to Anaheim in exchange for John Gibson and a 2025 third-round pick. While Gibson, a three-time All-Star, boasts a solid reputation in the league, his injury history raises concerns that could impact the potential deal.
John Gibson has had an up-and-down season with the Ducks, recording an 11-11-2 record, a 2.77 goals-against average (GAA), and a .912 save percentage (SV%). While those numbers are respectable, they don’t fully reflect the struggles Anaheim has faced as a team.
Gibson has long been the centerpiece of the Ducks’ goaltending, but his inconsistency and injury troubles have hindered his ability to return to elite form. His injury history, which includes several issues over the past few seasons, may be a significant factor for the Canadiens as they weigh the trade’s merits.
On the other hand, Sam Montembeault has been one of the brighter spots for Montreal this season, posting a 28-23-6 record with a 2.86 GAA and a .900 SV%. His numbers aren’t quite as eye-popping as Gibson’s, but Montembeault has been reliable enough to secure the starting job in Montreal.
Despite his solid play, Montembeault’s future with the Canadiens is uncertain, especially with the rise of young Jakub Dobes, who has been performing well in his limited action.
The Canadiens currently sit in a playoff spot, but questions linger about their goaltending stability moving forward. While Montembeault has earned the trust of his teammates, including defenseman David Savard, who has expressed support for Montembeault as the team’s number one goalie, Montreal may feel that acquiring a veteran like Gibson would bolster their chances for a deep playoff run.
However, any potential trade would hinge on Gibson’s health and Montembeault’s continued strong play. With the trade deadline approaching, both teams must make timely decisions that could impact their playoff hopes and future strategies.
While the addition of Gibson could improve Montreal’s prospects, the risks associated with his injury-prone status and the recent form of Montembeault may deter the Canadiens from pulling the trigger.
Ultimately, the decision may come down to whether Montreal feels it needs an upgrade in net to secure a playoff berth or whether it believes in the stability and growth of Montembeault as its starting goaltender.
As the deadline nears, all eyes will be on the Canadiens’ front office and their potential moves in the goaltending market.