When the Flyers traded Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets this past spring for draft picks and Jakub Voracek there was no way of knowing who would be available at the No. 8 selection in the 2011 draft.
You could say however, that if they knew Sean Couturier would be available they would be ecstatic.
After sensational years in QMJHL where he scored 96 points in successive years for the Drummondville Voltigeurs many pegged Couturier as the Number 1 selection in the draft. His obvious offensive talent coupled with a defensive prowess beyond his years made NHL scouts drool on their clipboards. But a mononucleosis infection (Ironically something that affected Jeff Carter before his rookie season) was detrimental to his play leading up the draft, leading many of the teams at the top of the draft to back away.
With the rising stocks of players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Adam Larrson, Couturier became lost in the mix.
Entering stage mega-opportunity: Philadelphia Flyers.
I was unfamiliar with Sean Couturier when I heard his name called during the draft. But I do remember the announcers’ reaction being something like, “HOW DID THIS GUY FALL TO THE FLYERS??”
And, after watching him during the pre-season and the first two games of the regular season, I ask the very same question. There were surely high-hopes pre-training camp, but no one really expected this kid to make the team. Come on, how does an 18-year-old who is barely a man compete in the NHL?
When Brayden Schenn got injured it seemed a little more likely. Maybe the Flyers will let him stay for the 9 games he is allotted to play before he must be returned to the juniors and not count against the cap. But then the Flyers waived penalty-killing wiz Blair Betts. Was this kid really good enough to play with the big boys?
The Flyers were willing to give it a try. He had a solid pre-season and if things faltered they could simply recall Brayden Schenn once he was fully healed. But after these first two games I can’t imagine sending this kid back to Juniors—he is ready for the big time.
Many young players around his age will come up and impress in spurts with offensive dekes. I remember a young Claude Giroux showing flashes of brilliance in his initial call-up, but his play in moments in which fair-weather fans hardly notice (Penalty killing, forechecking etc.) was not good enough. Sure he was an offensive specimen, but that is not good enough to earn a position on the squad.
Just ask Nikolay Zherdev.
But the thing about Sean Couturier is his defensive skill has made him indispensable. Through the first two games he has seen significant time on the penalty kill and in high pressure situations. It was Couturier’s name who was called late in the Boston victory when the Flyers were clamoring to hold onto a one goal lead late in the third.
It’s not often, a real rarity, that a player who is years away from legally drinking can show that type of maturity. What may have been a 9 game tryout may be the start of a long career in Orange and Black. Just think, this kid hasn’t truly been able to show his offensive upside due to so much time on the PK. He may not have the raw ability to score that Jeff Carter has but his junior statistics show he is no stranger to the back of the net.
It may prove down the road that even a straight-up Carter for Couturier trade would favor the Flyers. While no one can ever be certain it looks like Paul Holmgren, along with a little help from lady luck, has made another steal of a trade, especially when you consider the additions of Voracek and another third round pick.
