Pair of ex-Red Wings defensemen on track to smash previous career-highs in goals and assists

A pair of defensemen that the Detroit Red Wings moved on from during the summer are thriving with their new clubs, much to the chagrin of the fans.

Both Shayne Gostisbehere and Jake Walman are on track to smash their previous respective career-highs in goals and assists in their first year away from Hockeytown.

Gostisbehere spent only one year with the Detroit Red Wings, but he made the most of it.

Despite bringing an incredible offensive boost to the power play and Detroit's offense in general, the two sides weren't able to come to an agreement on a contract extension despite a reported interest from the Red Wings to retain him.

He returned to the Carolina Hurricanes, where he was traded to from the Arizona Coyotes at the 2023 Deadline, signing a three-year deal worth $9.6 million (AAV of $3.2 million).

In his only year with the Red Wings, he made $4.125 million.

And he continues to pile on the offense for the Hurricanes, currently with 25 points (6G, 19A) and on a current pace to reach 18 goals with 56 assists, both of which would be career bests.

Meanwhile, the Red Wings stunned fans by essentially dumping Walman to the San Jose Sharks (while adding a 2nd round draft pick in the deal) in return for....nothing.

Walman made no secret that he was shocked and heartbroken by the trade, but he may as well be playing on a revenge tour.

He has 20 points (4G, 16A) in 26 games and is projected to equal last year's career best of 12 goals but have 42 assists, which would be over quadruple his previous career best of nine assists.