Photo Credit: Katelynn Reiss
Sean Couturier was born on December 7, 1992 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Philadelphia Flyers drafted Couturier 8th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. For his efforts, Couturier re-signed with the Flyers to an eight year deal worth an AAV of $7.75 million this past week, in which it was a steal of a deal for the former Selke Trophy winner. Couturier joked during his presser saying he always signed extensions.
“I’m excited about the team and the future. I’m here to play hockey.”– Sean Couturier
Fletcher says there is a Full No Movement clause for the first seven years of his contract, and a limited no move clause for the 8th year. He then called Couturier a premier and elite player in the NHL. However, this premier player left money on the table because he wanted to win Stanley Cup or a championship. That just goes to show you what type of character Couturier has, to which I believe he will be the next Flyers Captain after Claude Giroux retires:
“I want to win a Stanley Cup or championship, I didn’t want to break the bank.” – Sean Couturier
What class demonstrated by Couturier as he could have commanded 9-$10 million on the open market next offseason when he would have been a free agent. He is a team-first guy that just wants to win and he’s a fantastic piece in the locker room.
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It was to no one’s surprise Couturier made the Flyers out of training camp in 2011. He had the goods and the will to turn this organization into a building block of success for the future. Couturier was a dominant force in the QMJHL amassing a total of 283 points in 184 games played. Even with his accolades at the Junior level, his main goal of course was to make the NHL.
At age 28, Couturier plays in all types of situations. He is a reliable penalty killer, and he plays the power play. If Head Coach Alain Vigneault needs anything, Coots is always there to bail this team out, and even on one leg. For his career, he has registered 174 goals, and 269 assists for 443 points in 692 games play.
Couturier exemplifies the greatness of professional athletes, and has become a model of success for the Flyers organization. This deal is quite the steal for both sides, to which Couturier takes a hometown discount for the second consecutive time in a contract year.
“Fans always treated me really well and let me grow into the player that I am,” Couturier said. “I have a lot of respect for them and it seems to be the same for them to me.”
