Photo Credit: Zack Hill
Chuck Fletcher had an amazing offseason as he changed the culture and overall dynamic of the Flyers locker room from the 2020-21 season, with bringing in the likes of Ryan Ellis, Derick Brassard, Rasmus Ristolainen, Keith Yandle, Martin Jones, and Cam Atkinson. What do most of these players bring to the table you shall ask? Well for starters they bring leadership and finishing abilities.
Fletcher’s offseason didn’t stop there, as he inked an elite Center in Sean Couturier to a brand new eight-year deal, “Sean’s our best hockey player,” Fletcher said. “If he had left, it would have changed the direction of our franchise.”
The Flyers GM continued, “Sean is an elite player, he is a rare talent.” Fletcher is absolutely correct as Couturier ranks eighth at the center position an even-strength goals from the 2017-18 season to present:
1.Matthews- 107
2.McDavid- 94
3. Draisaitl- 76
4.Tavares- 75
5. MacKinnon- 72
6. Point- 71
7. Aho- 64
8. Couturier- 62
Karlsson- 62
One had to figure there would at least be contract negotiations with Fletcher and Couturier’s agent before the season began at the very least to see what type of contract Couturier was looking for next offseason. Players like couturier do not come around very often, and the Flyers GM hinted at that in his presser yesterday:
“I want to live in some of the world these people live in. Sean Couturier is an elite player. It’s an advantage for our club. He is a rare talent.” – Sean Couturier
It appeared a lot of weight was lifted off Fletcher’s shoulders during this presser as the cornerstone of the franchise will remain with the Flyers for another eight years in Couturier. Fletcher was joking, smiling, and just overall happy during this press conference with the media. Whatever the case maybe, Couturier will remain with the Flyers until he is at least 36- years-old.
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From all of us here at Flyers Nitty Gritty, our hearts, thoughts and prayers remain with the Hayes family during this difficult time.
