Carter who?
Flyers fans, say hello to future star center Sean Couturier, drafted #8 overall by the orange and black. Couturier was previously considered a top four (if not #1) draft pick, but he started the year with mono and slipped in the rankings.
Everyone had expected the Winnipeg Jets, making their first selection in the NHL Draft in 15 years, to make a splash by drafting Couturier, who was still on the board by the time six names had been called. It’s difficult to argue against any of the previous selections- even the Ottawa Senators’ selection of Mika Zibanejad wasn’t a huge surprise.
Then the Jets drafted… Mark Scheifele. A player expected to go in the late teens of the draft.
The Flyers had every intention of drafting a defenseman. The players I mentioned on this site 10 days ago were all on their radar, including Dougie Hamilton (who was drafted next by the Boston Bruins). Passing on Couturier, though, would have been a complete mistake.
Couturier, 18, played with the Drummondville Voltiguers of the QMJHL. Over the last two seasons, he tallied 97 goals and 192 points. By comparison, Carter had 71 goals and 137 points in the OHL at his age. Couturier is an introverted, quiet kid, which should do well for an organization trying to shift the culture of their team.
With Braydon Schenn and Sean Couturier in the Flyers’ farm system, they have addressed their depth down the center once again, even if it takes two years before they are ready to fully replace Carter and Mike Richards.
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Great pick. Surprising he was still there. I was hoping for him or Doug Hamilton. Rather of had Hamilton, because he is an NHL ready, 2 way D-man, & Couturier is a few years away. Great pick regardless. Schenn, now him. Holmgren all of a sudden, is stockpiling some pretty damn good young talent.
Holmgren’s moves in the last week have been tops during his GM stint. More things were done in this “short” time to prepare this club’s for future success than has been done in last 20yrs. Consider this strength down the middle: Briere (who still looks like he plays in juniors), Giroux, Courturier & Schenn!!! That is a wicked core of talent. Hopefully, Homer’s got some more moves up his sleeve. Let those kids plus JVR, Simmonds, Hartnell & Voracek play & grow together and they just might be ready to do some damage in the playoffs.
Iggles, I think a couple of moves are going to be made. Homer is doing a great job, despite his dislike for draft picks.
this kid is a future superstar…. he has 100pt plus per year talent…. he has excellent vision of the ice, is a great passer and actually plays defense, unlike Carter.. GREAT PICK!
Josh, I agree 100%. Give this kid another year in the minors, to work on his game, conditioning, & put on 15-20 lbs (like JVR did this past year), & this kid is going to be a top 2 line center. Man, with him & Schenn close on the horizon, I love the trades more & more. When Briere is done in a few years, these guys are already here. Niiiice!