I made a post a few days back referring to Greg Wyshynski’s executives poll where i said NHL there was a disconnect in how fans view John Gibson vs how NHL executives view him. I said fans ranked him high and executives didn’t but I just re-read it and I actually have it backwards.
NHL Executives ranked him 4th. (Pre 20/21 season)
That makes more sense. Casual fans have a tendency to simply regurgitate stats and charts with no regard for context. Gibby is a top 5 goalie, talent-wise, in this league no question. IMO top 3 if we account for aging in some of the league stalwarts. He's been in a not great situation and it definitely took its toll on his numbers. But - assuming health - he's really now just entering his prime goalie years.
With goalies being such fickle creatures I am still perfectly good with bringing Gru back on a reasonable deal. He had a great season. He's not a "special goalie" but you don't need a special goalie to win in all these days. You just need a goalie who is hot and confident at the right time of year. I don't think there's any proof Gru can't be that guy. I don't want a change for changes sake - yes, if Gru is demanding something crazy and you can get Ullmark or somebody for much cheaper, be my guest. But simply swapping out goalies? Do I feel any more confident with Ullmark or Merzlikins or Driedger in net than I do with Gru? No. If we are asking our goalie to steal an entire playoff series - we are doing something wrong.
Gibson behind this defense can be special though - my opinion of course. He's the "level above" I can rationalize moving on from our current situation and liquidating assets. He's the guy who can steal a key game or two in the playoffs when the rest of the team is having an off night that could be the difference between another disappointing exit and a deep run.
This was the exact point in the process (context: MacK's age versus Sakic), our first year in Colorado, when the old Avs startign going all on it. Starting with a mega-trade to shore up net. Yes - Gibson is no Roy and this is a different era - but I see some similarities. I feel like things need to start getting more aggressive at this point.