Navigating the Future: Anaheim Ducks, John Gibson, and Trevor Zegras’ Contract Situation

Matt Levine: The Anaheim Ducks find themselves in a perplexing situation. While striving to maintain a competitive edge in the NHL, the organization is grappling with the future of John Gibson, their talented goaltender. There are whispers suggesting that Gibson might be eager to leave Anaheim, while others speculate that management has been actively looking to trade him for over two years. The reality likely lies somewhere between these perspectives. Anaheim’s current rebuild strategy, which is evident from their recent player signings, hints at a need for Gibson to remain with the team in the near future. The ongoing salary cap challenges further complicate matters, yet the addition of some veteran players by Pat Verbeek may have reassured Gibson that staying put is the wisest choice for now.

However, the challenges don’t end there. The contract situation of Trevor Zegras remains unresolved, and as September approaches, little progress seems to be on the horizon from either party. The Ducks are intent on surrounding their star player with a robust lineup, focusing particularly on enhancing the defensive framework. This approach is essential as they aim to provide Zegras with the support needed to thrive. The overarching question remains: how far can the Ducks ascend in the competitive landscape of the NHL, and how does their situation differ from that of teams like the Winnipeg Jets?

NHL Rumors: Patrick Kane And The Jets

Colton Parayko’s Determination to Rebound This Season

Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic: The St. Louis Blues recognize the urgent need for improvement from Colton Parayko, as the defenseman himself is also setting high expectations for his performance in the upcoming season. At 30 years old, Parayko struggled significantly last season, a period marred by trade rumors and the team’s overall drop in the standings. This challenging season took a toll on Parayko, who had never before faced such scrutiny regarding his future with the team. With a full no-trade clause in his contract, he remains firmly entrenched in St. Louis for now.

There was speculation about Parayko potentially eyeing a move to Edmonton; however, the Oilers are currently facing their own salary cap constraints, making such a trade highly impractical. Last season, Parayko recorded just four goals and 23 assists over 79 games. While his offensive output has never been elite—never surpassing 35 points in a season—his performance last year raised concerns about his speed and agility on the ice. The pressing question is whether Parayko can reclaim the form he exhibited two seasons ago, a pivotal year in his career that showcased his true potential.

NHL Rumors: The St. Louis Blues and the Arizona Coyotes