Shayne Gostisbehere may have only played with the Hurricanes for a short amount of time during the 2022-2023 season, 23 regular season games to be exact, but despite the short amount of time spent in Carolina, it made an impact.
Gostisbehere was acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes from the Arizona Coyotes on March 1st, 2023 prior to the NHL trade deadline. Gostisbehere was having one of his best years in a few seasons that year with Arizona, posting 31 points in 52 games played prior to the trade. “Ghost” as he is affectionately called, added 10 more points in the 23 games played with Carolina. At the end of the season however, the Hurricanes opted not to re-sign Gostisbehere, as he would go on to sign a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings.
Gostisbehere went on to have his best season in his one year spent in Motown since his career best 2017-2018 season with the Philadelphia Flyers when he scored 65 points. Last season with the Wings, Gostisbehere scored 10 goals and 46 assists for 56 points in 81 games.
Now at the age of 31, Gostisbehere is back with the Hurricanes for another stint after signing a 3-year $9.60M contract back on July 1st.
Speaking with Ken Schott of the Daily Gazette earlier this summer while Gostisbehere was at a function to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Union College winning the NCAA title, where Gostisbehere played for three seasons, he spoke of the decision to go back to Carolina.
“Having the familiarity there helps in the sense that you know you’ve experienced it before. You know the systems. Obviously, [Carolina head coach] Rod [Brind’Amour] is there. He’s probably one of the best coaches in the NHL. I’m definitely excited to get back there and have some fun.
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The addition of Gostisbehere to the Hurricanes defensive group gives head coach Rod Brind’Amour another puck mover and option the Canes power-play unit in addition to Brent Burns.
While the knock on Gostisbehere has been his play away from the puck, he undoubtedly has the knock to make a great first pass out the defensive zone, as well as the ability to transition the puck out of the zone himself.
His most well-known asset though, may be his shot from the point. Gostisbehere has a cannon from the point when he is able to get it off.
With Gostisbehere now having his new 3-year deal in tow with the Hurricanes, he will look to get comfortable in Carolina knowing this will be home for the foreseeable future.
Shayne Gostisbehere has played in 619 career games split between the Philadelphia Flyers, Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings and the Carolina Hurricanes, totaling 97 goals, 270 assists and 367 points.
