Ducks goaltender John Gibson signs $6.9-million contract extension

Ducks goaltender John Gibson signed a three-year, $6.9-million contract extension through the 2018-19 season, which should ease his pain of opening the season with San Diego of the American Hockey League instead of the NHL.

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.

With a self-imposed budget that’s well below the salary cap, the Ducks might have trouble signing all their potential unrestricted free agents, including core defensemen Hampus Lindholm, Sami Vatanen and Simon Despres. “I want young players who want to stay and be a part of this organization,” said General Manager Bob Murray, who has spoken to representatives of Despres and Vatanen.

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