The team announced on Tuesday afternoon that they’ve re-signed Couturier to a “multi-year” deal… which is just insulting because it literally doesn’t tell us any of the important information, like the salary number or the contract term.
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Of course, this is the final season of a four year deal for Voracek, during which he made a cap hit of $4.25 million – so fans will expect to see his production maintain itself next year, if not improve a bit, in order to justify such a hefty deal. He has also appeared in 198 consecutive games, which is the third-most active streak on the Flyers (Jakub Voracek: 226 & Brayden Schenn: 208). If Couturier has the potential to be the top-tier future Selke candidate in Philadelphia’s lineup, Giroux and Voracek are the team’s possession-driving, high-scoring playmaking duo that are just as valuable together as they are apart. He has been a testament to durability as he has played in 287 of a possible 294 games throughout his career. Dave Hakstol is in. “I’m looking for him to take another step forward”.
Certainly Hextall sees Couturier as a big part of the team. He will receive a $1 million signing bonus in each of the first three years of the contract, beginning with the 2016-17 season. His possession numbers were off the charts, as well. His extension will kick in next summer and with it will come more expectations.
Couturier, American-born Canadian also played a major role, as Team Canada was flawless in Prague, going 10-0 and winning the IIHF world championship. “Whatever they want me to do, I’ll do my best at the role they give me”.
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Yes it would. After Couturier flashed his penchant for defensive play, and proved it with a terrific playoff series in his rookie spring of 2012 against the Penguins in the playoffs, then-GM Paul Holmgren thought it prudent to oversee development of Couturier as more of a checking line center, at least at his young age. That is a lot of money for a player who probably isn’t even the best player on the Flyers.
