Jakob Chychrun has been a fixture in the NHL rumor mill for months and could remain so for some time. However, there’s another Arizona Coyotes defenseman who could also draw some interest in this season’s trade market.
Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports reports the Coyotes will be counting on Shayne Gostisbehere to build on last season’s bounce-back performance. Acquired last summer from the Philadelphia Flyers for nothing, the 29-year-old blueliner was among the few bright spots for the rebuilding club. Coming off three disappointing seasons with the Flyers, he netted 51 points in 82 games for the Coyotes.
Morgan points out, however, that another strong effort by Gostisbehere will mean he’ll be shopped by the March 3 trade deadline. The puck-moving rearguard said he’d love to stay with the Coyotes but accepts that his lack of no-trade protection puts the situation out of his control.
Gostisbehere’s eligibility for unrestricted free agent status next summer will likely ensure he’ll be a trade candidate come March. Cap Friendly indicates he’s in the final season of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million. Another 50-point campaign will provide him with an opportunity to land a lucrative new contract.
The breakdown of Gostisbehere’s actual salary for this season should also bolster his trade value. He’s earning an actual salary of $3.25 million of which $2.25 million has already been paid by the Coyotes as a signing bonus.
