Predators Add Size on Defense in Trade for Red Wings Prospect Andrew Gibson

The Nashville Predators announced Tuesday that the team has acquired defenseman Andrew Gibson from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for forward Jesse Kiiskinen and a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

The Red Wings selected Gibson in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville. The 19-year-old blueliner scored a career-high 12 goals and 32 assists in 68 games for the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2023-24, and he added two assists in 11 playoff games. He signed his entry-level contract with the Red Wings earlier this year and remains under contract until 2026-27.

Related: Nashville Predators 2024 Mock Draft Roundup

At 6-foot-3 and 196 pounds, Gibson fits the bill for a Predators team looking to beef up on the back end. He also helps Nashville replenish its prospect pipeline with right-handed defensemen after the trade of Ryan McDonagh and potential loss of Alexandre Carrier in free agency.

Related: Podcast: Nashville Predators 2024 NHL Draft Primer

To acquire Gibson, Nashville parted with one of their three picks in the second round of this year's draft - namely, the one acquired from Tampa Bay in the Tanner Jeannot trade last season - and forward Jesse Kiiskinen, their third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft who has yet to sign his entry-level contract.

The Predators now have eight picks in the 2024 Draft, which kicks off Friday at the Sphere in Las Vegas.