Sept. 21--The Ducks on Monday announced they had signed goaltender John Gibson to a three-year contract extension, creating an interesting and crowded situation in their crease. Gibson's extension runs through the 2018-19 season and is worth $6.9 million, an average annual value of $2.3 million.
Gibson, 22, has long been considered the Ducks' goalie of the future, but Frederik Andersen outplayed him last season and got the majority of starts. Gibson was 13-8-0 in 23 appearances, with a 2.60 goals-against average, .914 save percentage and one shutout. Andersen -- who can become a restricted free agent after this season -- appeared in 54 games last season and was 35-12-5, with a 2.38 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. Andersen also started all 16 playoff games, compiling a 2.34 goals-against average and .913 save percentage.
In addition, the Ducks are paying goalie Anton Khudobin $2.25 million this season.
The Ducks have never spent to the salary cap limit but they'll have to be creative to fit in the salaries of several young players who can become restricted free agents after this season and are certain to get big raises. That list includes standout defensemen Sami Vatanen, Hampus Lindholm and Simon Despres, who form the core of a mobile and promising defense.
