When the annual NHL trade deadline rolls around and the rumor winds start swirling, they probably feel like a light breeze now to Shayne Gostisbehere.
Gostisbehere, who is in his sixth full season with the Flyers, has heard his name pop up in rumors over the past two NHL trade deadlines and offseasons. His name will likely surface some more as next Monday's trade deadline draws closer.
The defenseman dealt with a familiar feeling of the business when he was placed on waivers last week. Gostisbehere went unclaimed and is still a Flyer. But for 24 hours, his future in Philadelphia was up in the air.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Head coach Alain Vigneault expressed belief that Gostisbehere would clear waivers and remain with the club. The team made the move, in part, to gain roster flexibility in this unordinary, cap-stricken season.
But Gostisbehere admitted he wasn't completely unbothered by the decision and those 24 hours.
"Obviously you never want to be put on waivers, but we're in a very unique season, unique situation," he said Monday. "We're not winning a lot of games right now and management's going to do whatever they have to do to make our team better. You've just got to roll with the punches, it obviously sucks, but I missed one game and I was back in the lineup. Just going to stay positive and keep rolling.
"Our management, their job is to put the best team out there who think they can win games. They're going to do their job just like I'm trying to do my job out there."
NHL
In a weird way, Gostisbehere has become well-prepared for the unsettling days like the deadline ahead and the inevitable buzz that spreads around the annual trading period.
"Yeah, it sucks," Gostisbehere said. "I'm definitely used to it by now. I've been on that top-20 trade list thing for three seasons now. It is what it is, it comes with the nature of the business and what you do in professional sports. Obviously it sucks at times when you think about it, it can weigh on your mind a little bit because you've built a life in this city and just a snap of the fingers, you could be somewhere else. Obviously it's something you think about, but my job as a professional is just to go out there and do what I can do and what it's in my control, and that's playing hockey."
Subscribe to and rate Flyers Talk
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Art19 | YouTube