Former Red Wings Defenseman Signs with the Hurricanes
After finishing the 2023-24 season fully healthy with the Red Wings, veteran defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere entered free agency aiming to cash in on his return to production and avoiding substantial injuries. Prior to last season, Gostisbehere had been struggling with upper body injuries in 2022-23 that limited his production with the Carolina Hurricanes, which resulted in him being traded to the Arizona Coyotes at the trade deadline. However, the hard-hitting defenseman returned to his healthy self with the Red Wings, missing only one game, and recorded 10 goals, 46 assists, and 56 points. In a splash off-season move, it has been reported that the Carolina Hurricanes have signed Gostisbehere to a three-year contract for $9.6 million.
Gostisbehere, 31, started his NHL career in 2012 after being drafted in the third round of the NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. With the Flyers, where he spent his first seven seasons, Gostisbehere would showcase his impactful defenseman abilities from the get-go as he was named to the 2015-16 All-Rookie Team after finishing the season with 17 goals, 29 assists, 46 points, and eight power-play goals in 64 games played. Over his tenure with Philadelphia, Gostisbehere would total 60 goals, 159 assists, and 219 points in 381 games played. During the 2021 offseason, the Flyers would trade Gostisbehere to the Coyotes, where he spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Gostisbehere, sometimes referred to as "Ghost," is a special combination of defensive savvy and offensive flair that he brings to the Hurricanes. He has received praise all of his career for his ability to rush the play, quarterback the power play, and provide offensive support from the back end. His skillful movement of the puck and capacity to create scoring opportunities make him a powerful commodity that regularly worries opponents. With hopes of returning to the NHL Playoffs next season, the Hurricanes will be adding a fierce individual in Gostisbehere to their defensive group that will instantly make an impact on the team’s success heading forward.
