Gostisbehere rarely was a healthy scratch at any point in his hockey career but said he tried to make the most of the situation when it happened last season.
"You've got to be a good team player about it," he said. "Can't make it about yourself. Yeah, you don't want to be a healthy scratch, but you take the positives from it. I think I did that. … I got better off the ice when my team was on the ice."
Gostisbehere said there's nothing limiting him entering this season.
"I'm coming in with a great summer under my belt and I'm going to keep that going into the season," he said.
He signed a contract June 9 reported to be for six years and $27 million ($4.5 million average annual value) to avoid becoming a restricted free agent. Even though he's 24 years old and has played one full NHL season, he's a veteran on a team that could have five rookies on the opening-night roster, including at least two defensemen.
"If they want to bounce ideas off me, I'll lead the way for them," he said. "Show them how to be good pros."
Healthy after a trying season, Gostisbehere said he's looking forward to training camp and helping the Flyers return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after they did not qualify last season.
"I think going into this season we're really focused," he said. "We're going to have a young, fun, exciting team to watch. And it's going to be a great season."