Detroit Red Wings Trade for John Gibson
The Detroit Red Wings have made a significant move in their roster by trading for goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. In exchange for Gibson, the Red Wings sent Petr Mrazek along with a second-round pick in 2027 and a fourth-round pick in 2026. Gibson’s acquisition comes after Lukas Dostal‘s rise within the Ducks’ ranks and Anaheim’s decision to bring back Ville Husso, making Gibson somewhat surplus to requirements despite his age of just 31 and several good seasons ahead of him.
Future Moves on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman is not done yet; he’s indicated that further trades may be on the horizon, specifically aimed at enhancing the team’s forward or defensive capabilities.
“We have plenty of cap space to do a lot of different things,”
Yzerman commented recently. Presently, the Red Wings enjoy over $12 million in salary cap space, despite recent contracts with Patrick Kane and numerous free agent signings, including James van Riemsdyk and Mason Appleton.
Targets for Forward Reinforcement
The Red Wings are particularly keen on reinforcing their top-six forward positions. A few players have emerged as viable candidates for this objective, with Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars being a standout choice for many Detroit fans. Robertson could be available as the Stars navigate a challenging salary cap situation following Mikko Rantanen‘s sizeable contract extension. Recently, he has emerged in various trade discussions, and his scoring prowess—boasting 35 goals in the last season and a previous season tally of 46 goals—makes him a prime candidate. Adding to the appeal, Robertson is a local product from Northville, Michigan, and his prior youth hockey experience with Detroit teams could make the transition seamless.
Another potential target is Bryan Rust, a forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins with local ties. He has continued an impressive career trajectory, scoring a personal best of 31 goals last season and consistently hitting at least 20 goals per season for the last six years. Rust, a lifelong Red Wings enthusiast who played for the Detroit Honeybaked Hockey Club, carries a cap hit of $5.25 million for the next three seasons.
Rickard Rakell, also from the Penguins, is another player on the trade radar. Celebrated for his quick shot and power-play proficiency, Rakell reached new heights last season with 35 goals. With three years remaining on his $5 million contract, he could add immediate firepower to the Red Wings’ lineup.
While the Red Wings’ recent goaltender acquisition marks an important step forward, the next few weeks could shape the forward lines significantly as they aim for a stronger showing in the upcoming season.
