Denver Barkey said he plans to “pick the brain” of Captain Sean Couturier if he continues playing Center.
The 21-year-old in Barkey (5’10, 170 lbs) discussed a potential shift to center after playing there in a couple of playoff games last season due to an injury to Noah Cates. Coaches liked how he handled it, and he worked on the position over the summer.
Barkey noted the Flyers already have depth at Center (Trevor Zegras, Couturier, Christian Dvorak, Noah Cates, and others competing for spots). On learning from Couturier.
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“If I continue to stay there (at Center), Coots will be a big one… Pick the brain of him … Selke (Trophy) winner, someone who knows how to play the game the right way. He plays the offensive side of the puck and the defensive side of the puck very well. He’s just a guy you can put out there in any situation and rely on him. I’ll work with him after practice. See if he has some pointers to help me out.”
Barkey (drafted 95th overall in 2023) had 17 points in 43 NHL games in his first pro season (mostly as a winger, often alongside Couturier and Owen Tippett). He has emphasized versatility and wants to “run away with” a center opportunity.
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