John Gibson’s Appendectomy and Recovery
Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson is set to miss three to six weeks of play after undergoing an appendectomy. The team made the announcement on Thursday, revealing that Gibson had the surgery on Wednesday night. This news comes as a blow to the Ducks, as Gibson had been an active participant in the team’s training camp leading up to the procedure.
Gibson’s absence will undoubtedly have an impact on the team, especially with the regular season opener against the San Jose Sharks looming on October 12. Depending on the length of his recovery, Gibson may not be able to dress for the opening game, leaving Lukas Dostal as the likely starting goaltender for the Ducks.
Successor Lukas Dostal’s Performance
Even before Gibson’s health issues, Dostal was making a case for himself as the team’s top netminder. The 24-year-old outperformed Gibson last season, posting a .902 save percentage and a 3.33 goals against average behind a struggling Ducks defense. Anaheim’s defensive woes have been a contributing factor to Gibson’s own struggles on the ice over the past two seasons, with his save percentage dropping to a career-low .888 in the 2023-24 season and a career-worst 3.99 goals against average in 2022-23.
Despite the trade rumors surrounding Gibson, his contract status with three years remaining at a $6.4 million cap hit may make it challenging for the Ducks to find a suitable trade partner. In the meantime, the team will need to rely on Dostal to step up and fill the void left by Gibson’s absence. Dostal made his debut for the Ducks in 2022 after being selected in the third round of the 2020 NHL draft. He not only performed well for Anaheim last season but also shined for Czechia at the 2024 IIHF World Championships, leading his team to a gold medal and earning the title of the tournament’s top goaltender.
Team Adjustment and Forward Strategy
With Gibson sidelined, the Ducks will need to adjust their game plan and rely on Dostal to carry the load in the net. Head coach Dallas Eakins will likely have to make some strategic changes to compensate for Gibson’s absence and ensure that the team remains competitive in the tough Western Conference.
The Ducks will also need to focus on improving their defensive performance to support Dostal and give him the best chance of success. Addressing the issues on the blue line will be crucial for Anaheim’s overall success this season, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Gibson’s future with the team.
In the meantime, Gibson will focus on his recovery and work towards getting back on the ice as soon as possible. His health will be the top priority for the Ducks, and they will be eagerly awaiting his return to full strength. Until then, Dostal will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and prove that he is more than capable of holding down the fort in Gibson’s absence.