The definition of a leader as defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary is, “Something that leads.” Gotta say, Sean Couturier was that for the Flyers on and off the ice in 2019-20. On the ice, Coots tallied 22 goals, and 37 assists for a total of 59 points, en route to his first Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward). He was the last one off the ice and practices more often than not, and became vocal in the locker room. Leaders lead by example, and that’s what Coots does. When talking about this upcoming season Couturier says they need to get off to a good start, “We need to get off to a good start, especially with a shortened season,” Couturier said, “I had gone through it the lockout year. We had a good team. We just got off to a poor start and just couldn’t make up ground in time to make the playoffs. I think it’s important to get off to a good start, get a good camp in and be ready for Game 1. Then go from there. Once you’re in the playoffs, anything can happen. That’s another part of our game where we’ll have to just take another step as the year goes on.”
Couturier continued, “I’m happy that we get to play in our home rink and have somewhat a normal schedule. Personally with having a newborn baby, it’s going to be a lot better for me anyway, mentally and the guys with families. I think it’s way better this way where we can have somewhat more of a normal life.”
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Coots holds himself to a high standard, and also holds himself accountable when need be. Accountability was a strong word that was used this season for the Flyers. Couturier is no stranger to holding himself accountable, and that rubs off on his teammates, as well, “I think anytime you can get into the playoffs, especially win a round and see what it takes to move on, it’s always a great experience,” Couturier said when asked about experience for the young players in the playoffs last season, “I think a lot of young guys learned from that. I think it’s important now in my tenth year and being in and out of the playoffs, it’s not something easy and doesn’t come that easy to get into the playoffs and win. You’ve just got to be ready every year and every playoffs. Every chance you get to improve and help the team, that’s what you need to do.”
Whatever line Coots is on he just seems to wreak havoc on his opponents on a nightly basis. The difference of this season, as compared to other seasons, is Couturier is finally evolving into the leader this young team has craved for the past few seasons, and he speaks very highly of the talented Nolan Patrick:
“I’ve been here for a week now. It’s been a little over a week. He looks good. He’s skating well. We all know the talent and the skill that Nolan has. We’re excited to have him back. He could be a big asset for us this year.”– Sean Couturier
The best part about Coots is his leadership, and that was shown yesterday when a question was asked about Nolan Patrick from reporters. It’s not easy to field these questions, but he handles it with class. Coots will miss Nisky, but he also is happy to have extended time with his daughter Ella:
“Nisky is going to be missed for sure, with his play and especially his leadership and what he brought to the locker room as a guy… Obviously didn’t do much this offseason with all the restrictions and everything back home. At the same time, it allowed me to spend a lot of time with my daughter and the family. I took advantage of that. Now I’m excited to be back here and get back to work.”- Sean Couturier
Couturier continues about new acquisition Erik Gustafsson, “Not knowing him much from him being out West, from seeing him the past week, the way he can move the puck and skate and be solid one-on-one, I think he’s going to be a great addition to our D-corps. He can have a great impact on our team.”
It’s great to see Coots having everyone’s back, especially Nolan Patrick’s and Erik Gustafsson’s. At the end of the day it is imperative for the Flyers to get off to a good start to the season.
Great that Couturier is taking the leadership role, because he must be our leader on and off the ice for years to come! Especially when Giroux”s contract is up!