Philadelphia Flyers give 2011 top draft pick chance; sign him to three-year, entry-level contract
Philadelphia Flyers signed on their 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) top entry draft pick, Sean Couturier, who was picked eighth overall by the franchise earlier in June. They gave him a chance to prove himself by agreeing to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The Eastern Conference franchise made it known to the league that talent under their nose does not go unnoticed; this is especially true since the signing came less than a day after the 18-year-old forward was a major contributor in their preseason matchup
victory against Toronto Maple Leafs.
Flyers general manager, Paul Holmgren, was thrilled to have him signed on after observing him for the past few days during their training camp and most recently the preseason contest.
"I think he's a really smart player, he protects the puck well", Laviolette said about Couturier during the practice sessions. "Watching him kill penalties, he had a real good grasp of what he was trying to accomplish out there. He's looked good during training
camp".
Sean Couturier, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, United States, played his first notable ice hockey season with Notre Dame Midget Hounds with whom he potted 56 points (19 goals, 37 assists) in 40 games.
The next three seasons were Couturier’s best, which ultimately led him to being drafted. The young centre joined Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) where he played overwhelmingly.
Having pot 96 points for two seasons straight in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, Sean Couturier became known as more of a leader than a prospectus player.
“There’s no question he’s gonna get bigger and stronger as he matures physically”, said Holmgren. “He’s a pretty good-looking young player right now. Who knows what’s gonna happen down the road, but we’re happy to have him in the fold”.
Even though it is most likely that Couturier will return to his major junior hockey league team for next season, but that is not the whole part of the start that might soon be unfolding.
These next few days will be the deciding factor whether the player will be kept on the roster or not and with recent performance from him, it does not seem to be too hard of a feat.
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