John Tortorella has formally announced the addition of another terrifying star to fortify the walls of his team.
Sean Couturier, the number one center for the Philadelphia Flyers, inked an eight-year contract extension worth $62 million US.
Couturier’s contract, which starts after the upcoming season and lasts through 2029–2030, counts $7.75 million against the salary cap. It is worth the same as the deal Andrei Svechnikov and the Carolina Hurricanes reached earlier on Thursday.
Andrei Svechnikov, a forward, signs an eight-year contract with the Hurricanes.
General manager Chuck Fletcher stated in a news release that Sean is “one of the premier two-way centers in the NHL, with the rare talent to shut down opposing teams’ top players while also contributing at a high offensive level.” “He carries an enormous presence inside our dressing room due to his preparation, determination and drive to win.”
As the league’s top defensive forward in 2020, Couturier was awarded the Selke Trophy. Last season, he totaled 18 goals and 23 assists. Despite frequently playing through injuries, the eighth pick in the 2011 draft finished with 443 points in 692 regular-season games and 22 more in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Stats for Players: Sean Couturier
Philadelphia Flyers’ team page
For the first seven years of the contract, there is a complete no-movement clause; after that, there is a limited no-trade clause. Couturier will have to turn in a list of ten teams to which he would accept a trade in his eighth season.
With prospect Morgan Frost predicted to join the NHL full-time soon and Kevin Hayes signed through 2026, signing the 28-year-old locks down Philadelphia’s center depth for the long run.
“To be part of the Flyers organization for another eight years following next year is extremely exciting,” Couturier stated. “I like the composition of the team and the range of players we have. I’m eagerly anticipating it, especially this year. Although there have been many changes, they are all exciting and positive.
Following a disappointing 2020–21 campaign, Fletcher made major roster changes, beginning with the addition of Keith Yandle and the acquisition of defensemen Ryan Ellis and Rasmus Ristolainen. In addition, the Flyers added veteran Derick Brassard on Wednesday, signed goaltender Martin Jones, and brought back depth forward Nate Thompson.
The main unanswered question for Philadelphia right now is what will happen to captain Claude Giroux, who will become a free agent in the summer. With a $8.275 million cap hit, Giroux is currently the highest-paid player on the team.
