By the Numbers: #36 in the Crease—John Gibson and the

If you’ve watched the Anaheim Ducks over the years, you know what John Gibson represents. He’s been the guy back there you could count on, even when the night got long. Goaltending careers can zigzag all over the place, but Gibson’s has taken a steadier route—built on consistency, composure, and trust. Along the way, he’s also given real meaning to a number you don’t usually see on a goalie’s back: number “36”.

36: An Uncommon Number Between the Pipes

Ask most hockey fans to name a goalie number and you’ll probably hear the same answers—1, 30, 31, and 35. Number “36” rarely comes up. That’s part of what makes Gibson’s story work. He didn’t step into a number with expectations attached. He earned those expectations himself. Over time, seeing number “36” in the crease started to mean something familiar: clean reads, solid positioning, and a goalie who looked comfortable no matter how busy the night got.

Finding His Game—and His Identity

Drafted 39th overall in 2011, Gibson moved quickly through Anaheim’s system. When he reached the NHL full-time, it didn’t take long to see what separated him. He didn’t overplay pucks. He stayed patient and trusted his game. Before long, number “36” became an impactful goalie number in Anaheim. It felt normal—connected to a style of goaltending teammates trusted and fans came to expect.

A Season That Cemented His Status

For Gibson, the 2015–16 season stands out for a reason. Sharing the William M. Jennings Trophy after allowing the fewest goals against in the league, Gibson showed he could carry the load over a full schedule. By then, number “36” wasn’t just unusual. It was tied to one of the NHL’s most dependable starters.

36: A Number Earned the Hard Way

John Gibson never turned a number into a brand. He turned it into a standard. Through repetition, durability, and professionalism, he is continuing to make number “36” matter in the NHL crease (now in Detroit). In a position where nothing is guaranteed, that kind of consistency is worth remembering—and it’s why number “36” means something now.

Note: In June 2025, John Gibson was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for fellow goaltender Petr Mrázek and two draft picks. As a Red Wing, Gibson currently has a 10-7-1 record (with a 3.07 GAA & 2 SO) in 19 GP.