John Gibson to Miss Start of NHL Season

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson will miss the start of the 2024-25 season due to an emergency appendectomy, sidelining him for three to six weeks and potentially up to 12 games, including the season opener against the San Jose Sharks on October 12. Gibson, a key player for nearly a decade, has seen his performance decline in recent seasons, culminating in a career-low .888 save percentage last year. With Gibson out, 24-year-old Lukas Dostal is expected to take over as the starting goalie, having shown promise with a .902 save percentage and strong performances during the 2024 IIHF World Championships. Gibson's contract, which runs for three more years with a $6.4 million cap hit, has made him a subject of trade rumors, particularly given his recent struggles. The Ducks have not made the playoffs since the 2017-18 season, and Gibson's win percentage has significantly dropped over the past few years. Dostal's emergence may shift the team's future plans regarding their veteran goaltender.