The Core Four

Zach Hopkins

2014-10-24

ShayneGostisbehere

 

This week, we will take a look at the four top defensive prospects in the Philadelphia Flyers system.

 

Currently, the Flyers biggest shortfall is on the blueline. These four young men, labeled as the Core Four, are the Calvary-in-waiting for a club and fan base that has not seen a Stanley Cup Championship in almost 40 years. Below, each defenseman will be reviewed in order of his draft year and status.

 

SHAYNE GOSTISBEHERE

 

78th pick overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft

 

"Gots-to-be-here", as he has been affectionately labeled by Flyers owner Ed Snider, is entering his first full professional season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League. Perhaps the defensive prospect Flyers fans are most excited about, Gostisbehere had a successful three-year stint at Union College where he posted 22 goals, 60 assists and was a plus-70 in 119 games played. He capped off his college career with a NCAA National Championship win over top-seeded Minnesota and took home MVP honors after depositing a goal, two assists and a plus-seven (PLUS-SEVEN!) rating in the title game. Gostisbehere, who was an assistant captain in his junior year, decided to sign his entry-level deal with the Flyers instead of returning for his senior season with the Dutchmen. He was immediately assigned to the Phantoms (then from Adirondack) and was scoreless in two games to end the season.

 

Gostisbehere began the 2014-15 campaign with an impressive prospect camp that led to a long look during training camp. In fact, along with Samuel Morin, Ghost (as he is nicknamed) was one of the last cuts in camp. Aside from swift skating, a strong point shot and above-average confidence, Gostisbehere demonstrated that he can be the north-to-south, offensive threat that the Flyers have been coveting from their blueliners. He may be small but he has sensational speed which benefits him positionally, especially when joining the rush. If you are a car aficionado, consider Gostisbehere a Ferrari. Despite an impressive showing in the NHL exhibition season, Flyers General Manager Ron Hextall decided that Ghost needed seasoning in the American League, where he has posted two assists and a minus-1 rating in 3 tilts.

 

Depending on the need and situation, it is not beyond the realm of possibility for Gostisbehere to make his NHL debut this season. He has the skill set and leadership (was also captain of South Kent Prep before entering college) to get the job done at the highest level after some seasoning in the minors.

 

Gostisbehere preaseason goal vs. New Jersey Devils:

 

 

Dobber Prospect Rank: 30th best defenseman, 3rd overall Flyers prospect

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Pros: speed, power, positional play, leadership

Cons: size, experience

Anticipated NHL Arrival: 1-2 years

 

 

Dobber Prospect Rank: 4th overall Flyers prospect

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Pros: size, power, vision, toughness, leadership

Cons: unnecessary penalties

Anticipated NHL Arrival: 1 year

 

 

Dobber Prospect Rank: 5th overall Flyers prospect

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Pros: two-way defenseman, decisive, plays on PP and PK, heavy minutes, hockey sense

Cons: adjustment to North American rinks, consistency

Anticipated NHL Arrival: 1-2 years

 

 

Dobber Prospect Rank: 9th overall Flyers prospect

Fantasy Outlook: B-

Pros: big man at 6'4", poise, strong first pass, mobile, smart player in own end

Cons: experience

Anticipated NHL Arrival: 3-4 years

 

For such a storied NHL franchise, the Flyers have struggled to groom their own defensemen and have paid the price as a result. In fact, the last Flyers homegrown defenseman was none other than Chris Therien. The Core Four seem poised to end the drought.

 

Zach Hopkins has been a Flyers prospect scout for Dobberprospects since 2014. You can follow him on twitter @healedbyhockey

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