Couturier accepts redefined role, helps Flyers take hold of 1st round
So when Tocchet, in his first season as Flyers coach, had the identical dialog with Couturier earlier this season, he understood what the workforce captain needed to be feeling.
Couturier is 33 years outdated and taking part in his 14th season in Philadelphia. He’s a two-time 30-goal scorer who gained the 2020 Selke Trophy voted because the League’s finest defensive ahead. He was an offensive driver at 5-on-5 and on the ability play.
He additionally is not the identical participant since two again surgical procedures that value him a season and a half from 2021-23.
After the break for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Flyers wished to provide rookie forwards Denver Barkey and Alex Bump extra taking part in time and make Trevor Zegras to full-time middle.
With Christian Dvorak and Noah Cates already filling two of the highest three middle slots, the place did that go away Couturier?
In an uncomfortable spot for each participant and coach. That’s when Tocchet approached Couturier along with his concept for a redefined position.
Not much less, however totally different. Harder minutes. More defensive-oriented linemates, like Luke Glendening and Garnet Hathaway. Less power-play time.
“It’s hard for me,” Tocchet stated. “I can not let you know precisely what we stated, however we did a deep dive. It’s exhausting as a result of I feel as a coach you possibly can solely be sincere with them. You’re not crushing the man, however you must be sincere with him.
“Some nights he performs 13, typically he performs 18, 20 minutes. It is dependent upon the sport, so whether or not you need to name him a fourth line or no matter, I do not even put a tag on him. He’s one of our greatest face-off guys. He goes on the market first PK. He’s in all probability going to be on the market within the final minute of a sport. The solely factor is he would not play the ability play as a lot as he used to, he would not play (additional time) as loads like he used to. Those are the issues that possibly he provides up slightly bit, however the different components of the sport, the 5-on-5, are large.
“So, I don’t really look at it as a fourth line. I think I look at him as a guy who’s a real big utility guy for me.”
