During Friday’s Canada vs. Finland game at the World Junior Summer Showcase, Andrew Gibson found himself face-to-face with Jesse Kiiskinen, the player he was traded for.
Gibson, representing Canada, lined up against Kiiskinen from Finland. “I faced off against him,” Gibson said. Canada won 8-6. “I’m not sure if he recognized me, but I thought it was funny to think, ‘This is the guy I was traded for.'”
While Gibson can now see the humor in the situation, the trade on June 25 was a significant blow. He had just returned to LaSalle, Ontario, after a workout at Little Caesars Arena when he received the call about the trade to the Nashville Predators. “I told my mom, and she didn’t believe me at first. We were like, ‘Oh my God, what happens now?’” Gibson recalled.
A year prior, the Red Wings had selected Gibson from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds with the 42nd pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, which was held in Nashville. The Predators then selected Kiiskinen just 26 picks later.
Red Wings’ Cap Space Issues
NHL prospects often have a deep bond with the team that drafts them, and Gibson’s connection to the Red Wings was especially strong given his proximity to Detroit. “At first, I was devastated,” Gibson admitted. “Training there every day and getting to know everyone made it a great experience.”
However, as young players become professionals, they quickly learn that hockey is also a business. “You don’t think about being traded when you’re young. You feel safe, but anything can happen,” Gibson said.
The trade between the Red Wings and Predators was driven by business needs. Detroit needed to free up cap space, and Gibson was part of that strategy. The Red Wings, already deep in defense prospects, sought to balance their roster by acquiring Kiiskinen and a 2024 second-round pick. The pick and veteran defenseman Jake Walman were later traded to the San Jose Sharks to further address cap concerns.
“I didn’t want to trade Andrew Gibson, but we needed to get a prospect and a pick to help with our cap situation,” Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said.
Dealing with Team Gear
When a player is traded, one challenge is what to do with their team gear. Gibson plans to give his Red Wings items to friends and family. He will keep some gear for use with the Soo Greyhounds, as the colors match. “I’ll keep the helmet and gloves,” Gibson said.
Kiiskinen will also share his Predators gear with loved ones. “I might give it to friends or my little brother,” he said. He plans to use his Nashville gear discreetly. “I could keep it for practice at home, where no one sees what I wear,” Kiiskinen added.
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