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Expect Multiple Bidders on Ghost |
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With just over a week remaining before the start of free agency, Shayne Gostisbehere is shaping up to be one of more sought-after players who will hit the open market on July 1. Detroit would like to get the now 31-year-old offensive defenseman signed to an extension but if it is not done by next Monday -- Steve Yzerman has said Detroit won't be able to re-sign all of their own UFAs -- it looks more and more like Ghost will sign elsewhere.
I'm hearing that both Minnesota and Ottawa are preparing to offer a deal to Gostisbehere. In Ottaw's case, it depends on what happens over the next week with Jakob Chychrun and Thomas Chabot trade possibilities. I also wouldn't rule out Ghost returning to his native South Florida, because that's something that has intrigued him for years.
Gostisbehere is coming off his best season since his 65-point year for Philly back in 2017-18. This past year, Ghost had a 56-point season for the Red Wings.
I'm glad to see how Shayne has revived his career after a series of injuries and rough seasons in the late in the 2010s/early 2020s. There was a point late in his Flyers career when Philly literally could not find a taker. He was waived and unclaimed. No takers. He was exposed to the Expansion Draft. Seattle opted instead to choose AHL winger Carsen Twarynski. Finally, Philadelphia traded Gostisbehere PLUS a 2022 second round Draft pick PLUS a 2012 seventh round pick for... quite literally nothing.
Since that time, Ghost has had two seasons with 50 or more points and three with 10 goals or more.