Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson issues unexpected statement moments after being traded to the team
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Detroit Red Wings acquired goaltender John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks in a pre-free agency blockbuster trade on June 28, and the netminder has now issued his first message as a member of the team.
The Red Wings got a steal in their acquisition of former Ducks goaltender John Gibson, after several years of playing with an underwhelming NHL lineup in front of him he's expected to unlock another gear in Detroit.
Steve Yzerman thinks the same:
"John has been, throughout the course of his career, a proven starter and a good starter in the NHL," Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman said on Saturday. «And as Anaheim has gone through their rebuilding process, that probably affected his play a little bit John is looking for more opportunity to play and we're counting on him, obviously, to give us quality starts and upgrade our team net."
Gibson is excited for the fresh start in the city of Detroit but is also quite sad cutting ties with friendships built throughout his time in Anaheim.
«You have to say bye to a lot of close friendships inside and outside the organization,» Gibson said. «But for me and my family, we're really excited for the next chapter. I still feel like I have a lot left to prove.»
He's no new face to the Red Wings' bench bosses, as there's some familiarity there with Todd McLellan (head coach) and Trent Yamney (assistant coach).
«He holds his standard and principles, and you just kind of go,» Gibson said about Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan, who he played for on Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. «Piggybacking off that, I had a lot of experience with [assistant coach] Trent Yawney as well. Kind of grew up with him --he was my first coach in Norfolk and had him for quite a few years in Anaheim, so having some familiar faces there with Trent and Todd definitely helps ease the transition.»
Gibson has already received a warm welcome form captain Dylan Larkin and fellow netminder Cam Talbot:
«Still kind of going through, getting some names and numbers,» Gibson said. «I'm meeting everybody now. Obviously, with July 1 and everything going on, it's been a busy week and I'm sure it'll be a busy few days. I'm sure as things start to settle in and all that, then there will be more of that going on.»
The 31-year old goaltender revealed that he's ready to battle for a playoff spot with his new teammates.
«Their resume over the last few years shows that they're right there,» Gibson said about the Red Wings. «That's where I want to be. I want to be fighting for the playoffs and get in the playoffs. I truly feel that all you got to do is make it in the playoffs, and once you do that it's a whole new season whether you're the Presidents' Trophy Winner or the eighth seed. You never know what could happen.»
If this John Gibson interview with the Detroit Red Wings doesn't signal a plan for playoff by Steve Yzerman, we don't know what will!
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 3 | 162 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson issues unexpected statement moments after being traded to the team Do you think Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson will lead the team to their first playoff appearence in nine years? | ||
| Yes | 125 | 77.2 % |
| No | 37 | 22.8 % |
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