Are we talking about the same Gibson?
Most ducks fans I talked to hoped his injury this season was career ending. He was a good goalie for the first few years and then turned into post Sharks Antti Niemi for the last 5 years
His numbers have been down in recent years, but that was behind the ducks historically bad defense. And it is not an exaggeration to say historically bad. They gave up the most shots on goal in a season, and many of those were top quality shots.
In recent years, Gibson has started the season strong and then worn down under the burden of having to be perfect and being pummeled with shots. Most ducks fans feel he can still be a very good goalie but are happy to turn over the job to Dostal.
Can't see any team trading for Gibson without retention, not just the Avs. At best, with 50% retention, the Ducks might pick up a mid round pick. Maybe a 2nd, but that's being generous
Gibson at 50% ($3.2) is reasonable for a BACKUP goalie. A backup goalie gets you a mid round pick. And any team trading for Gibson is not planning for him to be a backup. So this is just a bad take on all fronts (even before you consider the ducks taking back Gorgiev).
Keep in mind, his contract is pretty buyout friendly. So if the ducks really want to get rid of him, they can either (a) waive him and bury him if he's not claimed; or (b) buy him out in the future.
Friedman on thursday said teams weren't really concerned about his contract that there are teams who've talked about Gibson at full price. The problem has been his health has pushed away teams from wanting to take it on while giving up anything of value.
Which the Ducks really have no reason to just give away Gibson either.
He also said that he never heard anything about Gibson to the Avs other than media guys just asking if it makes sense. So who knows if he actually looked into it or is just adding it to the Blackwood rumor.
If Gibson has his typical strong start behind a hopefully improved ducks team, he should be an attractive trade asset this year or next.
If someone wants Gibson the Ducks should give him away they have Dostal and Clara as their Goaltenders of the Now and Future
Clara isn't anywhere near ready and Dostal can use the support of a veteran. They have Reimer who could fit that role. Gorgiev would also be a reasonable solution if he's part of a trade. But Clara is not a part of the equation this year.