Philadelphia Flyers‘ offensive-minded defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere(53) wunderkind gets a healthy pay bump heading into his 4th year.
He was given a 6-year extension worth $27M ($4.5M AAV) after playing a career high 76 NHL games, recording a new best 32 assists.
The only downfall was his somewhat puzzling -21 rating.
After suffering a season-ending injury as a rookie, he rebounded with a strong training camp heading into 2015/2016.
He was reassigned to start the season with affiliate Lehigh Valley Phantoms but after 14 AHL games (2-8-10) recalled and that was the start of his ascent.
Playing 64 games as a sophomore skater he grabbed a 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points, indicating he was fully ready to step up.
He was also chosen as a Calder Trophy finalist for top rookie.
The 24-year old is definitely being looked at as one of the team’s top d-men and will hopefully help lead the charge to return them to postseason play.
Shayne Gostisbehere(14) Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Philadelphia Flyers‘ 3rd round pick in the 2012 draft (#78 overall) mini-smart defenseman Shayne Gotisbehere(14) had pretty much going his way because of the hard work and consistently aware game he plays.
He was a late cut from training camp and started what may not actually become his rookie season on reassignment to affiliate Lehigh Valley Phantoms putting up some handsome numbers right away, 5 assists in 5 AHL games.
The generously listed 5’11” 170 lbs. blue liner also received his first NHL recall and even though he was returned with a -2 plus/minus he was part of two team wins vs Detroit and Los Angeles.
Approximately 10 days into his joining the farm team for more seasoning, he was hit into the boards awkwardly going around the net and looked to get his leg caught a bit too much behind him as he slid down.
The prognosis was a torn acl, requiring surgery and his return is listed as indefinite.
When and if he does return, possibly some time in the Spring, maybe for any potential playoff runs but both teams aren’t exactly in that running at the moment.
The 21-year old former Union College assistant captain, 2014 NCAA Champion, Hobey Baker finalist, World Junior Gold Medalist is most definitely highly touted from his three-year career at school (averaged 7 goals, 20 assists) and will be sorely missed especially on on the farm team.
Signed through 2017 on a three-year entry level deal, he should come back stronger and probably will only be looking at plane rides in his future.