The Flyers announced today that they have signed recent draft pick Sean Couturier to an entry level contract. The contract is reportedly worth $925k with $450k in bonuses, or $1.375 million in total.
The contract is a steal compared to the contracts of of James Van Riemsdyk ($1.6 million) and Brayden Schenn ($3.3 million). Couturier’s signing increases the total number of players that the Flyers have under contract to 52, but the organization can avoid a penalty for having more than 50 contracts if Couturier plays less than 10 games in the NHL. This will allow the Flyers to introduce him to the style of play in the NHL, but prevent them from being forced to move another player before the start of the season.
Don’t be surprised if the Flyers move a handfulof players throughout the season for draft picks to make space for Couturier down the stretch.
Couturier will play in tonight’s preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Wells Fargo Center. Also expected to play are forwards Danny Briere, Scott Hartnell, Andreas Nodl, Jakub Voracek, Max Talbot, Blair Betts, Matt Read, Ben Holmstrom, and Jody Shelley. Erik Gustafsson, Oskars Bartulis, and Kevin Marshall will be filling in on defense.
Interestingly enough, previously released invitee Tomas Hyka was apparently called at the airport and asked to come back, according to Daily News reporter Frank Seravalli. He will be playing with Claude Giroux.
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This kid is the real deal. IMHO, once he grows into his height & puts on some lbs, he is going to be a good power forward.