Detroit’s 2025-26 plan centers on Gibson in net and veteran depth with van Riemsdyk, Appleton, and Hamonic, but scoring depth remains thin and goaltending unsettled. Bold chatter has the Wings potentially trading an important piece at the deadline and possibly finishing bottom-10, testing Yzerman’s rebuild as Lucas Raymond eyes a 100-point ceiling. Seider and Edvinsson anchor the blue line, while Raymond, Van Riemsdyk, and Appleton must lift the offense and PP usage to keep playoff hopes alive.

Gibson’s arrival changes the goaltending narrative, but the roster-wide gaps—especially on the right side and in depth scoring—keep fantasy upside murky. If Detroit succumbs to pressure and lottery luck tilts away, the draft class and depth moves will define the rebuild’s pace more than immediate wins. The Wings’ path blends risk with upside as youth meets veteran steadiness.

Edmonton’s path to an elite No.1 goalie before the trade deadline is narrow; only a handful of duos in the league could realistically upgrade a starter ahead of Skinner/Pickard, making a seismic move unlikely.

The piece catalogs plausible targets: Gibson and Talbot (Detroit), Sorokin/Varlamov/Ingram (Islanders), Demko and Lankinen (Canucks), Mrazek (Ducks), Jarry and Merzlikins (stars in rumor mill). It also notes McDavid’s extension chatter could be a distraction, so fantasy managers should brace for a limited upgrade and plan around an unsettled crease.

The Anaheim Ducks have had a transformative offseason, led by General Manager Pat Verbeek, who successfully traded Trevor Zegras and John Gibson, both of whom were long-term trade candidates. Following these moves, Verbeek signed Lukas Dostal and Drew Helleson, bolstering the team with fresh contracts. However, the unresolved contract situation of restricted free agent Mason McTavish looms large, particularly after his impressive season, where he accumulated 52 points in 76 games. McTavish's improvement is evident; he has scored 140 points over 229 career games with Anaheim, but his current contract negotiations have stalled, raising questions about Verbeek's vision for the team's future.

Amidst whispers of McTavish being on the trade block, the general sentiment is that trading him would be counterproductive. Ryan Strome has expressed confidence that McTavish's contract will soon be resolved, emphasizing the player's integral role in the Ducks' aspirations. With nearly $21 million in cap space, the Ducks are well-equipped to meet McTavish’s demands, provided they can reach an agreement. As the offseason progresses, securing McTavish’s signature becomes a pivotal task for Anaheim, not just for maintaining team chemistry but also for fending off potential offer sheets from other franchises.

The Anaheim Ducks are gearing up for the impending NHL season with notable shifts in their roster, including the trade of veteran goalie John Gibson to the Detroit Red Wings. The Ducks are set to position Lukas Dostal and Petr Mrazek as their primary goaltending duo, although discussions around bolstering the roster are ongoing. One potential deal could see Mrazek traded to the Edmonton Oilers, a scenario previously hinted at by NHL writer Lyle Richardson. Mrazek's availability, contingent on his performance and the Ducks' standings, makes him a valuable trade asset for the Ducks.

With Mrazek's contract expiring next July, the Ducks aim to leverage this situation to acquire draft picks or other assets, supporting their long-term strategy of rebuilding and strengthening their roster for future competitions. Meanwhile, the Oilers could benefit from Mrazek's experience during playoff runs, making this proposed trade mutually advantageous.