Flyers grab Couturier at No. 8
Daily News Flyers blog
Flyers grab Couturier at No. 8
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- With the No. 8 overall selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Flyers selected... a player very few thought would slide to the No. 8 spot in center Sean Couturier.
Couturier was ranked as the No. 5 overall draft pick by the central scouting agencies. At one point during the scouting rankings, Couturier was ranked as the No. 1 available prospect.
It was a surprising turn of events in not only that Couturier fell to No. 8, but that the Flyers decided on a center instead of a defenseman just one day after Paul Holmgren unloaded Jeff Carter and Mike Richards because of an “overload” at the position.
The Flyers likely would have selected Dougie Hamilton, a strong, two-way defenseman from the OHL if Couturier had not been available. Hamilton went to Boston at No. 9 instead.
In a near instantaneous interview on TSN after making the pick, Holmgren said he “never thought” Couturier would still be on the board.
Earlier in the week, Holmgren said the Flyers would pick the best player available regardless of position.
Couturier racked up 96 points in 58 games for Drumondville (QMJHL) this past this season. At 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, the 18-year-old already has a full-sized frame. He is slated to top out at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds. The scouting reports list him as a solid, two-way forward with good penalty killing abilities. The one weakness reported is his skating. His speed turning and pivoting is said to be subpar.
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They don't need defensemen, they have a goalie now. Duh!— gonegator- Cicero, good point (obviously) Blenda Gay, Reggie White. Married, not white.— gonegator
- Hey dopes who know nothing about hockey. Bobby Clarke was considered a sub par skater for his entire career. Trust in Homer he looked like he stole the Hope diamond when he announced that pick. This team just got young and stacked with talent I for one can not wait for the games to start. I don't know if you guys noticed but the Flyers organization is the most focused and committed team in the league when it comes to winning the cup. They have failed so far but it is not because they did not spend the money or make the bold moves. Believe me Homer is not done - he will also bring in a top flight free agent they always spend every dime every year. He admitted as much when he gave his little interview tonight. What the hell are you people complaining about? Look across the street it's Joe "nickels" Banner. Enjoy the ride we could be the Islanders instead.— Simon Nolet
- Whether you like the idea of trading Richards and Carter or not, Holmgren has clearly gotten value back in the deals. Carter for a big scoring winger and a teenage centerman with loads of potential. Richards trade brings the same. Clearly he was influenced by the Bruins winning the cup with size and depth. 4 top 9 forwards for 2 speaks to that.— sla6yer
- Can't sleep....worried about the Flyers speed turning and pivoting. Hope that Sean Couturier scores goals and hits people though.— hallux
- Tim Kerr also wasn't a skater.— Agrajag
