Report: Carolina Hurricanes Sign Shayne Gostisbehere to 3-year Deal – Hockey Writers – Hurricanes Transactions

The Carolina Hurricanes have reportedly signed left tackle Shayne Gostisbehere to a three-year, $3.2 million per season contract with Pierre LeBrun. This is his second stint in Carolina, playing there briefly in the 2022-23 season after being acquired at the trade deadline.

In both the regular season and playoffs combined, the 31-year-old defenseman has 651 games of NHL experience. What can he bring to this stage of his career?

Gostisbehere Has the Second Highest Pairing

Just like back in his glory days with the Philadelphia Flyers in the mid-2010s, Gostisbehere is an excellent offensive producer in the backfield. He scored 10 goals and 46 assists for 56 points in 82 games in 2023-24, tied for 13th in points among defensemen. With an average ice time of 19:05 for the Detroit Red Wings, he was great in the second pairing role.

Gostisbehere wasn't out of position, but his criticism helps justify that part of his game. He still has the same blistering shot he always has, and he's still a very effective power play defender. Gostisbehere hasn't been used much on the penalty kill, but other than that, he's a useful player.

Related: 2024 Free Agency Tracker

When injuries haven't hampered his ability, Gostisbehere has been an excellent second baseman. He's had no problem creating offensive opportunities on a regular basis, which is a very important trait in the modern NHL—he knows what he's getting from him.

Fits Carolina

Brady Skjei left the Hurricanes in free agency, so Gostisbehere may be taking over his role on the second pairing. The veteran can still play, and he's ready to hit the ground running. Instead of chasing a young left-back like Alexander Nikishin for a top-four role, Gostisbehere can handle that for the next few seasons if necessary.

This contract is good value for the Hurricanes. They haven't won a single game in the Eastern Conference Finals despite qualifying for each season since 2018-19, so they may be looking to make some moves as the 2024 season progresses. New general manager (GM) Eric Tulsky may have something up his sleeve, but we're not sure what yet.