Gibson allowed four goals on 30 shots in the Ducks’ win over Arizona on Thursday. The Ducks got off to a slow start but settled in late in the second and took over in the third. It wasn’t a great start, but Gibson will see a lot of action while he’s healthy and should win far more frequently than not.
In 2016-17, Gibson started a career-high 49 games and went 25-16-9 with a 2.22 GAA and .924 SV%. The 24-year-old has an impressive 2.22 GAA and .924 SV% in his 111 career starts and he could easily be a top-5 fantasy netminder if he could stay healthy and start 60-plus games. He will face the Coyotes in his opening night start, but the Ducks are five of their top players—Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler, Patrick Eaves, Sami Vatanen and Hampus Lindholm.
Talbot was solid in his first season in Edmonton, but he was excellent in year-two. The 30-year-old netminder led the NHL in both games started (73) and wins (42) and will likely have a good chance to defend those crowns in 2017-18. Talbot is a workhorse on a team that many believe is a Stanley Cup contender this season. A year ago he was 3-0-0 vs. the Flames, but this is an improved Calgary team he will see tonight.
Chiasson, 27, spent last year in Calgary after two years in Ottawa and had 12 goals and 12 assists (24 points) in 81 games. Chiasson will make his Capitals debut on the third line while Tom Wilson is suspended.
DeBrincat, 19, was “sent down” yesterday as a paper transaction to get under the salary cap ceiling before they put Marian Hossa on LTIR. The 2016 No.39 pick had 127 points (65G / 62A) in 63 games with Erie (OHL) last season and is expected to open the 2017-18 season on either the second or third line.
Copp was dealing with a sore knee after taking a shot off of his right leg during the preseason. Copp is expected to start the season on the third line with Adam Lowry and Joel Armia. The 23-year-old forward had nine goals and eight assists (17 points) in 64 games with the Jets last season.
Chiarot is a valuable third-pairing defensemen for the Jets, but has had difficult time staying healthy during his young NHL career. The 26-year-old tallied two goals and 10 assists (12 points) in 59 games while averaging 15:19 TOI/GM including 1:58 SH TOI/GM a season ago.
Rasmussen is a huge kid, standing in at 6-foot-6, 215 lbs. and his big frame had NHL teams intrigued. Rasmussen had 55 points (32G / 23A) in 50 games and led the Tri-City Americans (WHL) in power-play goals (15). The Canadian skates well for his size and will bring a power-forward type of game to the Red Wings lineup.
