The Ducks signed goaltender John Gibson to a three-season, $6.9-million contract last month and then stashed him in San Diego with their new AHL team, the Gulls. At this stage, it’s probably far better for the 22-year-old Gibson to play in the minor leagues than sit on the bench in the NHL. He didn’t discount the idea after playing in a 5-3 exhibition victory over the Reign on Monday at the Honda Center.

“When I’m told to play, I’m going to play and, hopefully, it’s going to be a lot,” Gibson said after making 16 saves. “I’m just going to play. I could sit here and say a bunch of things, but I think at the end of the day, I’m just going to play hockey. It’ll pan out one way or the other. I’ve just got to play well and see what happens.

“It’s nice to be a backup. I’m more of a competitive guy and want to play.”