Gibson has continued growing as a defensive specialist, and appears to like to defer the puck to his partner or forwards. In Gibson’s case, it’s simply because he wants better puck-handling players to have the puck rather than suggesting he is incapable with the puck. When he has to, he has no problems advancing and forcing a play, he’s just smart enough that he rarely finds himself in that situation. Very calm and collected for a defenseman his age in the AHL, the poise of several seasons seems to be within him already. He knows his game, and he is already playing that game very well in the AHL. Points have never been his calling card and won’t be in the future either. With Gibson’s reliability, size and subtle puck skills, there is a future where he anchors a second pair while he plays with a more offensively minded partner. There should be little doubt, though, that he could fill a depth role in the NHL on a third pair. He’ll likely have a good NHL career but is unlikely to hold very much fantasy value outside specialized formats.

Splitting time with the Soo Greyhounds and Oshawa Generals in 2024-25, Gibson did not improve his offensive output. That is not necessarily a bad thing, considering he is likely on fantasy managers’ watch list purely for the physical edge he brings to the game. With that said, it would make him more projectable to the NHL if he could continue increasing his offensive production at lower levels like the OHL. Gibson also played five games with Canada’s World Junior team in 2025, which is valuable experience for any young player with their eyes set on the NHL. With Gibson expected to join the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL in 2025-26, look for him to get bottom-four minutes and use his physicality to make an impact defensively in his first professional season.

The Detroit Red Wings selected Gibson with the 42nd pick in the 2023 NHL Draft from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League. Injuries limited Gibson to just 45 games this past season. His offensive production was modest, with seven goals and 21 points, but that is not the strength of his game. Gibson is a big body (6-3, 200 pounds) who plays a mean, physical style. He skates well for someone his size but Gibson projects to be a bottom pairing defender, with a nasty mean streak.