Red Wings Facing Crucial John Gibson Contract Decision

Detroit's top goaltender is set to hit free agency in 2027, raising questions about the team's long-term plans in net.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Detroit Red Wings have been bolstered by the strong play of goaltender John Gibson since acquiring him in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks. After a slow start, Gibson has emerged as one of the top netminders in the NHL, putting the Red Wings in playoff position. However, the team will soon have to decide whether to sign Gibson to a long-term extension or potentially transition to younger goaltending prospects like Sebastian Cossa or Trey Augustine.

Why it matters

Gibson's resurgence has been crucial to the Red Wings' success this season, but his impending free agency in 2027 means the team must weigh the long-term implications of keeping him versus developing their own young talent in net. This decision could have major ramifications on the Red Wings' playoff hopes and long-term competitiveness.

The details

After a shaky start to the season, Gibson has found his groove, posting a 2.21 goals-against average and .925 save percentage in December and a 2.13 GAA and .920 save percentage in January. His strong play has helped propel the Red Wings into playoff position. However, Gibson is only under contract for one more season before hitting free agency in 2027 at the age of 34. The Red Wings will have to decide whether to sign Gibson to a long-term extension, potentially similar to the 4-year, $8.25 million per year deal Linus Ullmark got from the Ottawa Senators, or transition to one of their top goalie prospects like Cossa or Augustine.

  • In October, Gibson posted a 4-3-0 record, a 3.32 goals allowed average, and a .875 save percentage.
  • In November, Gibson went 0-4-1 with a 3.91 goals allowed average and a .853 save percentage.
  • In December, Gibson recorded a 2.21 goals allowed average and a .925 save percentage while going 9-1-0 in 10 games.
  • In January, Gibson put up an 8-3-1 record, a 2.13 goals allowed average and a .920 save percentage.

The players

John Gibson

The veteran goaltender acquired by the Detroit Red Wings, who has emerged as one of the top netminders in the NHL after a slow start to the season.

Sebastian Cossa

One of the Red Wings' top goaltending prospects who could potentially take over as the team's starter in the future.

Trey Augustine

Another of the Red Wings' top goaltending prospects who could challenge for the starting job down the line.

Steve Yzerman

The general manager of the Detroit Red Wings who will have to make the crucial decision on whether to sign John Gibson to a long-term extension or transition to the team's younger goaltending prospects.

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What they’re saying

“While a two-year extension would certainly be ideal for Detroit, I doubt Gibson would have to settle for just two years on the open market. Linus Ullmark got a four-year extension in Ottawa at age 31. He was coming off back-to-back top-six Vezina finishes, including winning the award in 2023, so I'm not saying Gibson will get the same average annual value as Ullmark's $8.25 million. But the point is, proven goalies are generally still able to get real term into their 30s.”

— Max Bultman, The Athletic (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Red Wings and GM Steve Yzerman will have to decide in the coming months whether to sign John Gibson to a long-term extension or transition to one of their top goaltending prospects like Sebastian Cossa or Trey Augustine.

The takeaway

The Red Wings' decision on John Gibson's future will have major implications on the team's playoff hopes and long-term competitiveness. Keeping the veteran netminder could provide stability in goal, but developing younger talent may be the better long-term strategy for the franchise.