John Gibson: A Goalie Looking for a Fresh Start
As the NHL’s March 7 trade deadline looms, the whispers about potential trades are growing louder, and one name that keeps surfacing is John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks. Gibson, a 31-year-old goaltender, has been a topic of trade speculation for a while, and it’s not hard to see why. He is signed through the next two seasons with a salary cap hit of $6.4 million, which is a significant commitment for a team like the Ducks, who have struggled in recent years. However, Gibson has shown a remarkable resurgence this season, posting a 2.69 goals-against average (GAA) and a .915 save percentage (SP) in 23 appearances. These numbers are his best since the 2018-19 season, when he had an SP of .904.
Gibson used to be the No. 1 goaltender for Anaheim, but the emergence of 24-year-old Lukas Dostal has led to a more balanced goalie rotation. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggests that Gibson would be interested in moving to a team where he can reclaim his status as the starting netminder. While the Ducks might need to retain some of Gibson’s salary to make him more attractive in a trade, they have ample salary cap space to do so. This could allow them to ask for a decent amount of draft picks or prospects in return. Gibson’s current form makes him a valuable asset, and being the primary goaltender on a more competitive team could further boost his performance and help him solidify his legacy.
Ryan Donato: A Center with Rising Value
Ryan Donato, a 28-year-old center for the Chicago Blackhawks, is almost certain to be traded by the deadline. The Blackhawks are in the midst of a rebuild, and Donato is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the end of the season. His current offensive performance is a career high, with 19 goals and 37 points in just 53 games, making him a highly desirable player on the market. Donato’s cap hit of only $2 million adds to his appeal, as he is a relatively affordable asset.
On a true Stanley Cup contender, Donato has the potential to be a 25- to 30-goal scorer and a solid contributor. If he stays with the Blackhawks, he will likely continue to play in a rebuilding environment that does little to enhance his value. However, a move to a more competitive team could allow him to carry this momentum into the playoffs and potentially drive a higher salary in his next contract. This makes sense for both the Blackhawks, who can capitalize on his value, and for Donato, who deserves a chance to showcase his talents on a contender.
Brock Nelson: A Season-Defining Move for a Veteran Center
Brock Nelson, a 33-year-old center for the New York Islanders, is another player who could benefit from a change of scenery. Nelson is a pending UFA with a current salary of $6 million, which means any team interested in acquiring him would need to clear some cap space. The Islanders are still fighting for a playoff spot, and while GM Lou Lamoriello might try to retain and re-sign Nelson, a trade could be a better option for Nelson’s career.
Nelson has 17 goals and 35 points in 55 games this season, which puts him on pace for his lowest scoring total since the shortened 2020-21 season. Despite a recent hot streak that has improved the Islanders’ playoff chances, they remain four points and three teams behind the Detroit Red Wings for the second wild-card spot. For a player of Nelson’s experience and talent, this could be his best opportunity to spend the rest of the season competing for a Stanley Cup with another squad. Whether he re-signs with the Islanders or moves on to a new team, a trade could be a defining move for the remainder of his career.
Dylan Cozens: A Talent in Need of a New Environment
Dylan Cozens, a 24-year-old center for the Buffalo Sabres, is one of the most talked-about players as the trade deadline approaches. Despite his potential, Cozens has had another disappointing year with Buffalo, scoring only 11 goals and 27 points in 54 games. These numbers are far lower than the impressive 31-goal, 68-point season he had in 2022-23. Cozens’ $7.1 million cap hit exacerbates his situation, making him a costly asset for a team that is struggling to find consistency.
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams will need to hit a home run in any Cozens trade, given the player’s high salary and underwhelming performance. While there is no guarantee that Cozens will be traded, a move to another organization that emphasizes an offensive style of play could be the key to rejuvenating his career. The Sabres played a more offensive-minded game under Don Granato in 2022-23, which contributed to Cozens’ breakout year. A return to a similar system could help him rediscover his scoring touch and reach his full potential.
The Trade Deadline’s Impact on Team Competitiveness
The NHL trade deadline is a crucial period where teams can make significant moves to bolster their roster and improve their playoff chances. For players like John Gibson, Ryan Donato, Brock Nelson, and Dylan Cozens, a trade could mean the difference between playing in a rebuilding environment and being part of a championship-contending team. Each of these players brings unique value to the table, whether it’s Gibson’s resurgent goaltending, Donato’s affordable and potent offense, Nelson’s veteran leadership and experience, or Cozens’ high ceiling and offensive skills.
Teams that are in contention will be looking to add depth and talent, and these players could fit the bill perfectly. For the Ducks, Blackhawks, Islanders, and Sabres, trading these assets could provide a financial and organizational boost, allowing them to rebuild or restructure their rosters. It’s a delicate balancing act for all parties involved, but the right moves could pay off in the form of improved team competitiveness and long-term success.
What’s Next for These Players?
As the trade deadline approaches, the future of these players hangs in the balance. John Gibson, Ryan Donato, Brock Nelson, and Dylan Cozens could all find themselves in new jerseys by March 7, each with a new opportunity to shine and contribute to a more competitive team. The decisions made by their current teams will have a significant impact on their careers and the overall landscape of the NHL.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these potential trades unfold. For Gibson, the chance to be a No. 1 goaltender on a contender is a tantalizing prospect. Donato’s affordable cap hit and career-best offensive numbers make him a valuable commodity in the trade market. Nelson’s experience and leadership could be crucial for a team pushing for a Stanley Cup. And Cozens, despite his struggles this season, still has the potential to be a game-changing center in the right system. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the next chapter in their careers, and the outcomes could have far-reaching effects on the league.
