The Anaheim Ducks signed goalie John Gibson to an eight-year contract extension worth $51.2 million, or $6.4 million per season. This contract carries him through the 2026-27 season.

Ducks announce that they have signed goalie John Gibson to an eight-year contract extension. Big one. $6.4 million AAV

— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) August 4, 2018

John Gibson Signs Extension With the Ducks

Gibson has played only for the Ducks in his five-year NHL career. He has a career record of 93-55-20. He has also managed a 2.29 goals-against-average, .923 save percentage and 16 shutouts in 178 career games. Gibson was originally drafted in the second round, 39th overall of the 2011 NHL draft by the Anaheim Ducks.

Gibson complied a record of 31-18-7 with a 2.43 goals-against-average and .926 save percentage. He also registered four shutouts in 60 starts for Anaheim. His playoff campaign didn’t go as well as his regular season as he lost all four starts as the Ducks were swept by the San Jose Sharks. The 25-year-old went 0-4 with a 3.60 GAA and .889 save percentage.

The deal makes the Pittsburgh native the fifth-highest paid goalie in regards to average contract. Anaheim decided to entrust its future with Gibson after dealing Frederik Andersen to the Toronto Maple Leafs in June 2016.

“I believe in John Gibson, as does everyone in the organization,” said Ducks General Manager Bob Murray in a statement. “This is obviously a major commitment by the club, but one we feel strongly about. John is equally committed to being a Duck. He is only now entering the prime of his career, and we are all confident his best is yet to come.”

What This Means for the Future

Anaheim have locked up one of the best young goalies in the league on a long-term deal. Some say it’s a risk to lock up any player to such a lengthy deal in the salary cap era. Gibson did play well last season to get Anaheim into the playoffs.

It’s a big commitment to give him such a long contract, but he’s been a solid netminder the last couple of seasons.