Boston Bruins: Is Shayne Gostisbehere a good trade target?

Should the Boston Bruins trade for Philadephia Flyers’ defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere?

With the loss of defenseman Torey Krug to the St. Louis Blues in free agency and the uncertainty of captain Zdeno Chara returning, the Boston Bruins may be in search of an experienced left-shooting defenseman that can also help out on the powerplay.

An interesting option that the Bruins could look at is Philadelphia Flyers’ defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere.

Gostisbehere is a similar defenseman to Krug as he’s on the smaller side and tends to worry about his offensive game more than his defensive game. He has 199 points over 340 games (0.59 points per game), while Krug has 337 points over 523 games (0.64 points per game).

Now, I know Gostisbehere isn’t nearly what Krug is defensively, but he fills a similar role. With the lack of experience the Bruins will have from their left defensemen this season, they should really consider acquiring Gostisbehere.

At just 27 years old, he is just entering what would be considered his prime. Last season, Gostisbehere put up 37 points (nine goals and 28 assists) in 78 games. However, he struggled defensively, posting a -20 plus/minus (+/-) and had just a 1.5 defensive point shares (DPS).

This season was even worse for the runner-up of the 2015-16 rookie of the year award. In 42 games, Gostisbehere scored just 12 points (five goals and seven assists), was a -4, and had a -2.3 expected plus/minus (E+/-).

Additionally, Gostisbehere played in just five of the Flyers’ 16 playoff games. However, he was able to produce two assists and had a +/- of +2.

This year just wasn’t it for Gostisbehere, as he often found himself landing in the press box as a healthy scratch or because of injuries.

However, I think Gostisbehere may just need a change of scenery for him to get back on track.

For his rookie season of 2015-16, Gostisbehere put up a remarkable 46 points (17 goals and 29 assists) with a +8 +/- and +2.5 E+/-. In 2017-18 — Gostisbehere’s best season — he recorded an amazing 65 points (13 goals and 52 assists) with a +10 +/- and +8.9 E+/- in 78 games.

What will the Boston Bruins have to give up to get Shayne Gostisbehere?

Now with three years left on his contract and having an annual cap hit of $4.5 million, the Flyers may be looking to unload Gostisbehere. There were trade rumors involving him last season and there still are now. Depending on if the Bruins want the Flyers to retain some salary will determine the price.

With how often the Flyers scratched Gostisbehere this season, I believe the cost for him will be as high as a second-round pick and as low as a fourth-round pick.

Gostisbehere’s trade value is at its lowest right now, and if the price is right the Bruins should jump on the chance to acquire him. If the Bruins play their cards right, they could get the Flyers to retain some salary and still afford to re-sign restricted free agent, 24-year-old left wing Jake DeBrusk.

Again, with the departure of Krug, the Bruins could use an offensive-minded defenseman like Gostisbehere on their powerplay. If Gostisbehere can return to scoring just 40 points in a season again, this would be a good acquisition.