The Steelheads trade for a backup goalie ahead of the 2024-25 season
GM and Head Coach of the Brampton Steelheads, James Richmond, quickly addressed the gap left by trading away Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryerson Leenders to the Brantford Bulldogs.
Shortly after the Leenders trade, Brampton announced they had acquired 6-foot-6 netminder Jacob Gibbons from the Erie Otters in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round (WSR) and a 2028 sixth-round pick.
“In light of the goalie circumstances, I viewed this as a significant opportunity for Jacob that is vital to his continued development. We wish him every success on his journey to fulfill his hockey ambitions,” said Otters Vice President and GM Dave Brown.
The team recently signed Swedish netminder Noah Erliden, which created a surplus in the crease and pushed Gibbons down the depth chart in Erie.
It's a respectable move by Brown to move the 2025 NHL Draft prospect to a team where he will get more playing time. He would have most likely been Erie's third-string but in Brampton, he has a clear path to being the team's backup to Jack Ivankovic.
Gibbons was one of the top goaltenders in the GTHL circuit during his OHL draft year. He played for the U16 Markham Majors AAA organization alongside a couple of NHL first-rounders — Zayne Parekh and Liam Greentree.
The Whitby, Ontario native was drafted in the second round, 38th overall by Erie in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, and has played 25 games over the last two seasons.
Jacob stuck with the Otters for the entire 2023-24 season, playing 20 games, but struggled mightily in his first full season in the OHL. He posted a record of 5-7-1, with a goals-against average of 5.11, and a save percentage of .819%.
Brampton has a deep team with a lot of experience. The defensive play in front of him will be better and his numbers should drastically improve.
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