So when Tocchet, in his first season as Flyers coach, had the identical dialog with Couturier earlier this season, he understood what the crew captain needed to be feeling.
Couturier is 33 years previous and taking part in his 14th season in Philadelphia. He’s a two-time 30-goal scorer who received the 2020 Selke Trophy voted because the League’s finest defensive ahead. He was an offensive driver at 5-on-5 and on the facility play.
He additionally is not the identical participant since two again surgical procedures that price him a season and a half from 2021-23.
After the break for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Flyers wished to present rookie forwards Denver Barkey and Alex Bump extra taking part in time and make Trevor Zegras a full-time heart.
With Christian Dvorak and Noah Cates already filling two of the highest three heart slots, the place did that go away Couturier?
In an uncomfortable spot for each participant and coach. That’s when Tocchet approached Couturier together with his concept for a redefined function.
Not much less, however completely different. Harder minutes. More defensive-oriented linemates, like Luke Glendening and Garnet Hathaway. Less power-play time.
“It’s hard for me,” Tocchet mentioned. “I can not inform you precisely what we mentioned, however we did a deep dive. It’s arduous as a result of I believe 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, generally he performs 18, 20 minutes. It depends upon the sport, so whether or not you wish 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 most likely going to be on the market within the final minute of a recreation. The solely factor is he does not play the facility play as a lot as he used to, does not play (time beyond regulation) as a lot as he used to. Those are the issues that possibly he provides up slightly bit, however the different elements of the sport, the 5-on-5, are enormous.
“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.”
