If Tristan Jarry isn't returning, the Pittsburgh Penguins should look toward an area-native.

A concept that has long been an outlandish theory has the potential to become a reality for the Pittsburgh Penguins this offseason.

Tristan Jarry’s future with the Penguins looks murky at best, plus a new management group that has a first round pick to spend, this is the perfect time to make a hard push for John Gibson.

For real this time. The Anaheim Ducks seem fully willing to send Gibson to a contender and despite missing the postseason, there is still plenty of attraction to play in Pittsburgh.

The bottom six forward group played a huge hand in the Penguins season ending early, but a stable goaltending situation would have given them a much needed boost.

Between Jarry and Casey DeSmith, there were long stretches of the season where neither seemed like a viable option.

Gibson may be turning 30-years-old this summer and led the league in losses, but the skill is still there and the Ducks were no help in front of him.

The Ducks gave up the most shots by a team in NHL history and Gibson did everything he could in 53 games played.

Gibson holds a career record of 180-179-59, a .912 save percentage, and 2.83 goals against average.

Those aren't terrible, but Gibson's numbers peaked when the Ducks were at their best.

Did you know Gibson is from Pittsburgh? It might be a played out drawing card, but it's a viable negotiating tactic.

Gibson’s contract lasts for another four seasons at $6.4 million against the cap annually, but with close to $20 million freeing up in space, the Penguins can afford that.

It’s pretty well known that Gibson is a great goalie on a bad team, and slotting him in behind a better crop of defensemen should awaken a whole new level of ability.

The Penguins are in win-now mode and Gibson would serve an area of need that could push them back to contender status.

The free agent goalie market isn’t anything special in 2023, and if the Penguins decide to move on from Jarry, a trade for Gibson should be a legitimate discussion.

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