John Gibson

Growing up in Pittsburgh and passing through Baldwin High School, John Gibson developed in the U.S. National Team Development Program before entering the major-junior ranks. Drafted 39th overall by Anaheim in 2011, he initially committed to the University of Michigan but reversed course and joined the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, choosing the junior route as his path toward the professional game.

On the international stage he stood out early: at the 2013 World Junior Championship he was the primary netminder for the United States, posting a .955 save percentage and a 1.36 goals-against average across seven games, earning tournament best-goaltender honours, a spot on the all-star team and the tournament MVP as the U.S. took gold. That same year he added a bronze medal with the U.S. senior squad at the World Championships.

Gibson turned pro in 2013 with the Norfolk Admirals in the AHL and made an immediate impression in the NHL when he recorded a shutout in his first start for Anaheim on April 7, 2014. Early in his Ducks tenure he alternated between the AHL and NHL, shared duties with Frederik Andersen, missed time through injury, and gradually established himself as the club's starter. He was part of the 2015–16 campaign that brought him league recognition—sharing the William M. Jennings Trophy and earning a place on the NHL All-Rookie Team.

An eight-year extension in 2018 anchored him in Anaheim, and he represented the club at multiple All-Star Games (2016, 2019, 2022). He reached a franchise milestone on March 10, 2023, by surpassing the Ducks' record for career saves. After twelve seasons with Anaheim, his tenure ended at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft when he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings for Petr Mrázek and two draft picks.

In plain terms, Gibson's game is built on steady, situational goaltending and an ability to face heavy shot totals; his international accolades and team awards reflect a netminder who has repeatedly been relied upon in high-pressure moments.