Defenseman Shane Gostisbehere's fast start is making Detroit Red Wings regret not retaining him
Former Red Wings defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere only spent one season in Detroit, but he brought untold value to the offense, which he's now applying elsewhere.
The Detroit Red Wings have struggled offensively for large portions of this year so far, and a former member of their team from last year's roster continues to make the most of his skill set.
Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere spent one season with the Red Wings and was a force on their power play; he also reached double digits in goals scored.
But the Red Wings and Gostisbehere were unable to come to terms on a new contract, and he returned to the Carolina Hurricanes with a three-year deal.
Prior to his arrival in Detroit via free agency in 2023, he had played the latter half of 2022-23 with the Hurricanes after being acquired from the Arizona Coyotes.
While Gostisbehere has never been known as a particularly effective defender, his offensive skills are what make him stand out.
And his stat line so far this year is really making the Red Wings question whether letting him go was the right call.
Gostisbehere is currently ranked 11th overall among all NHL defensemen in scoring, and also is second behind only Cale Makar with 12 points with the man advantage.
Additionally, he's off to the best scoring pace of his career with .77 points per game and would reach over 60 points if he continues.
His 17 points (5G, 12A) would easily be first overall among Red Wings defensemen, ahead of Moritz Seider's 13 points (2G, 11A) and Simon Edvinsson's 10 points (3G, 7A).
While Detroit's power play has been streaky this year, there's no denying that it would have gotten a major boost had Gostisbehere returned for another go around in Hockeytown.
Was it a mistake for the Red Wings not to bring him back?
| POLL | ||
Was it a mistake for the Red Wings not to extend Shayne Gostisbehere? | ||
| Yes, he should have been re-signed | 54 | 78.3 % |
| No, his defensive play was too suspect | 15 | 21.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
