It Is Too Early For The Anaheim Ducks To Trade Goaltenders

Thanks to Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson performing well as Freddie Andersen‘s substitute, trade rumors have suddenly started to bubble up. The discussion around the internet relates to a statement that was made by TSN‘s Darren Dreger. In this statement Drager put forth idea that “either Anton Khudobin or perhaps Freddie Andersen could be available. It’s based on the play of John Gibson.”

It was not too long ago that sports media discussed how Gibson might be traded, so it is important to take these murmurings with a grain of salt. Let’s assume that the rumors are true, however, and the other Anaheim goalies are being considered for trade before the deadline. There cannot be a greater mistake than this. Gibson is a good goaltender, but he has not been tested nearly enough to warrant trading away either (far more experienced) goaltenders. The realistic trade would have to happen in the summer when all goalies have shown what they bring to the Ducks.

As Gibson has only played six regular season games, talking about trading either goalie sounds insane. For all we know Gibson could suddenly start to flounder in net and where would that leave the Ducks? Khudobin has a strong work ethic and has proven in his worth throughout his NHL career to be a solid backup goalie. Additionally the return that Anaheim would get for Anton Khudobin in a trade would not be all that great as his trade value seems to be low compared to Andersen.

Trading Andersen would be an absolutely idiotic move because he carried the team in numerous games last season and this season his 16 game save percentage of .914 is strong. It’s strong because the Ducks squad as a whole played awful defense and did not give the goalie the aid he deserved all October and partly into November. When the guys in front of you aren’t doing their job to stop offensive rushes, a .914 save percentage is phenomenal. More importantly it shows that in the worst of times Freddie Andersen is a valuable asset that the Ducks cannot give away no matter what players are being offered by other teams.

If trades occur (and they should) it should be forwards and defensemen as those are the true problem areas for Anaheim. Again, a rumor is a rumor, but it is necessary to explore the consequences of jumping the gun and trading the wrong players. I cannot think of a worse move for the Ducks than getting rid of either Anton Khudobin or Freddie Andersen.