The Detroit Red Wings came to terms with UFA defenceman Shayne Gostisbehere on a new contract. The deal runs for one year, expiring after the 2023-24 season. Gostisbehere earns a total of $4.125 million, equating to an $4.125 million cap hit annually.
UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere to a one-year contract with an AAV of $4,125,000. pic.twitter.com/3M7NAguMcZ
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 2, 2023
In 538 career games, Gostisbehere tallied 311 career points to-date (87 goals and 224 assists). Last season, he scored 13 goals and 28 assists (41 total points) across 75 games. The defenceman, 30, debuted in 2014-15 but first got drafted back in 2012, in the third round by the Philadelphia Flyers.
Gostisbehere signed a six-year contract with the Flyers that expired after last year. However, he spent the last two seasons of that contract between the Arizona Coyotes and Carolina Hurricanes after a pair of trades. This last year, Arizona sent Gostisbehere to the Hurricanes ahead of the trade deadline to help with their playoff push.
In the last quarter of the season with Carolina, Gostisbehere scored ten points in 23 games. Then in the postseason, he added three assists in 15 contests. His possession metrics stood strong, though the Hurricanes needed more offence desperately when they were swept in the Eastern Conference Final.
Gostisbehere earned his last big contract with strong play in his first seasons with the Flyers. While he maintained his production for the most part, he seemed to fall out of favour almost league-wide during that deal. However, this new deal shows he still remains an in-demand player. That should come as no surprise.
He can play north of 20 minutes a night if needed, and slots in perfectly as a second-pair defenceman. Gostisbehere boasts tons of skill and offensive ability, something his new team wants to take advantage of undoubtedly. Expect the blueliner to continue picking up points and chipping in on the power play.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!