Goalkeeper John Gibson, being considered the future net protector for the Anaheim Ducks, signed a three-year extension deal which, according to the Los Angeles Times, is worth $6.9 million.
ESPN broke down the deal as earning Gibson $1.5 million for the first season, $2.1 million in the second season, and $3.3 million in the third season.
Gibson is entering the final year of his entry-level contract with the Ducks, ESPN added.
Last season, the 22-year-old played in 23 games (21 starts) having a 13–8–0 record with a 2.60 goals against average (GAA), .914 save percentage, and one shutout.
"I think it shows they want me to be here for a long time, and I want to be here for a while and help the team win," Gibson told reporters.
Despite getting signed to a new extension contract, Gibson will likely spend his time first in the American Hockey League (AHL) to further improve his game.
But that is no issue for him as he said, "I'm just looking forward to playing. Obviously I want to be here sooner than later, but I can't really control that. Just going to play, and play my best."
Ducks general manager Bob Murray said he already spoke to Gibson about the possibility of playing in the AHL and the young goaltender is ready for it.
The Ducks' main goaltender last season was Frederik Andersen who performed better than Gibson.
Andersen played in 54 games (53 starts) in the 2014–15 season and went 35–12–5 with a 2.38 GAA, .914 save percentage, and three shutouts.
The Ducks are hoping they can return to where they were last season and advance further since they were just a win away from reaching the championship series.
Last season, Anaheim were close to the Stanley Cup, which the team last won in the 2006–07 season, but were unable to withstand the challenge presented by eventual champions the Chicago Blackhawks.
