(Anaheim) Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson is expected to miss the start of the regular season after undergoing an appendectomy.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper underwent emergency surgery on Wednesday evening. The Ducks announced Thursday that he will miss three to six weeks of action.
Gibson has suited up for the Ducks since the beginning of his National Hockey League career, posting a 193-206-61 record, a 2.90 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage.
Last season, however, was difficult for the American. He was 13-27-2 with a career-worst .888 save percentage.
The Californian team has not participated in the playoffs in the last six campaigns.
Gibson is competing with Lukas Dostal for the Ducks’ number one job.
Last season, the two goaltenders shared the net as Dostal posted a 14-23-3 record and a .902 save percentage. He often looked better than Gibson.
Gibson’s name has often been mentioned in trade rumors, but his declining play over the past two seasons has dampened those discussions.
Gibson is under contract for the next three years with an average annual salary of US6.4 million.
The Ducks will play their first game of the season on October 12, against the San Jose Sharks.