Flyers: Alain Vigneault provides update on Shayne Gostisbehere
By Matthew C
There appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel for the Philadelphia Flyers with Shayne Gostisbehere nearing his return to the team. Gostisbehere has not appeared in a game all season due to being placed on the COVID-19 protocol list.
It wasn’t immediately clear when he would return, but Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault shared updates on his status on Thursday before practice ahead of the team’s game against Boston.
Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault told reporters Thursday morning that Shayne Gostisbehere had skated solo for the first time in Voorhees that same morning. It makes sense for Gostisbehere to rejoin the Flyers for practices at the conclusion of their road trip that includes four games against the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils.
Considering the extensive amount of time he was absent from team activities, he may need until at least February before he is ready for live game action.
Following the four-game road trip, Gostisbehere will have missed eight regular-season games.
While an exact return date for Ghost is unknown, it is good news that he seems ready to return to the team. Vigneault said, “My understanding is he skated yesterday, so I think he’ll be skating on his own back in Philly, and our next practice in Philly I would expect him back.” It would be great for Ghost to be back sometime at the end of the road trip because the team could really use him following injuries that have impacted key players including Phil Myers.
Ghost was removed from the COVID-19 list, a good sign.
He scored five goals and racked up twelve points last season in 42 games. He has a lot to prove this year.
It’s unknown and will never be known in compliance with the joint agreement between the NHL and NHLPA regarding COVID-19 protocols how Ghost contracted the virus, but it appears it was an isolated incident and fortunately the Flyers weren’t a victim of a COVID-19 outbreak.