As per a launch by the crew on Thursday, Anaheim Geese goaltender John Gibson underwent emergency appendectomy surgical procedure final night time and is anticipated to be sidelined for the subsequent 3-6 weeks. This isn’t nice information for the crew, however the concern is that he will get again to full well being and isn’t affected by any lingering points as he joins the crew as quickly as he’s wholesome.
Gibson is the Geese’ beginning netminder and he’s been a workhorse, beginning over 50 video games in 5 of the final six full NHL seasons. The 31-year-old leads the franchise in video games performed and saves by a goaltender, whereas rating second in wins and third in shutouts.
Gibson will need to have a strong season. With some less-than-ideal numbers in 2023-24, there was speak that Gibson is likely to be on the commerce block and would welcome an opportunity to play with a contender because the Geese undergo a rebuild/retool.
For a aggressive crew, Gibson can be a pleasant addition. During the last 4 seasons, he’s one among solely 4 NHL goalies with 5,000-plus saves, alongside Connor Hellebuyck, Juuse Saros, and Andrei Vasilevskiy. He additionally ranks tenth in begins (187) and eleventh in appearances (190) throughout that span. His contract is a little bit of a problem, as he’s making $6.4 million per season over the subsequent three seasons.
With Gibson Gone, Geese Will Look to Lukáš Dostál
Till Gibson returns, the crew will flip to Lukáš Dostál, a 2018 third-round decide who debuted within the NHL in January 2022. Final season, the 24-year-old performed a career-high 44 video games, beginning 38 of them, and posted improved numbers total.
Dostál is coming into his third full season and just lately shined on the IIHF World Championships, recording a 1.58 goals-against common. He at the moment holds a 19-35-6 NHL document with a .902 save share, 3.45 GAA, and one shutout.
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