Gostisbehere named 6th best Flyers prospect

by Ryan Fay

Corey Pronman of Hockey Prospectus/ESPN has named junior defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere as the sixth-best prospect in the Philadelphia Flyers organization.

Gostisbehere, who was drafted by the Flyers in the third round of the 2012 NHL draft, has been one of Union's best blueliners the past two seasons. The 20-year-old has piled up 48 points (13 goals, 35 assists) 77 games played with Union.

Here's Pronman's report on Gostisbehere (used with author's permission) -

6. Shayne Gostisbehere, Defense
2011-12 Ranking: 3rd
Date of birth: 04/20/1993
Age: 20
Height: 5'11''
Weight: 170
Shoots: Left
Statistics: 41 GP, 5 G, 22 P (Union College, NCAA)
Acquired: Third round, 78th overall in 2012 by Philadelphia

Year in Review: Gostisbehere was a very good offensive player in college, on top of being a solid asset for Team USA at the World Juniors, where he won a gold medal. He did receive a suspension at that tournament, however.

The Good: Gostisbehere is a toolsy offensive defenseman who can make many things happen with the puck. "He has a great offensive mind for the game," said one NHL source, as Gostisbehere is a creative puck handler who can move the puck very well. Combine that with his great speed and he can be a catalyst for a team's offense, whether in breaking out of his zone, off the rush, or along the blue line on the power play. He has upside, and he can flash top-end skill.

The Bad: Gostisbehere still has to round out his game while simplifying it. He can be too aggressive with his attacks and plays with the puck. His defensive game can be solid at times, and other times he can be a liability in his own end. He is a little small, although to my eye, he looks bigger than his listed measurements indicate.

Projection: He could be a top-four defenseman.