Big contract brings rising expectations for Flyers’ Sean Couturier

The team agreed to a six-year contract extension with 22-year-old Sean Couturier that will kick in for the 2016-17 season.

Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston was first with the contract details: Coots’ deal will count $4.33 million against the salary cap per year (AAV).

Couturier scored 15 goals (career high) for the Flyers last season and registered 22 assists in 82 games.

This despite him scoring but 45 goals in his four-year career.

About the extension contract Couturier told, “It’s a great organization, they believe in me, “I’m really happy to be there for the next six years”. I think the future is bright in Philly.

“I’ve met him once this summer”, said Couturier, noting they didn’t talk specifically about what the center’s role will be in his fifth season.

The $4.33 million question is how much former head coach Craig Berube’s deployment of the young center – Couturier played on the third line with an ineffective R.J. Umberger and an injured Matt Read, while also frequently being buried in the defensive zone to start shifts – affected his offensive output.

The Flyers acquired Schenn on the same day – June 23, 2011 – they traded for Voracek and received the draft pick they used for Couturier from Columbus.

“I’ve been playing 18 minutes a game the last two years”, Couturier said. “Hopefully we can do some good things during those six years”. “I’m really looking to coming to camp and taking another step forward”. “I don’t anticipate signing Brayden, which never means that you’re not going to”. If handled correctly, even though he has significant time under his belt already, Couturier’s deal could be viewed as a steal if he becomes an important piece of a Flyers side that sees playoff success. I’m gonna be the same type of player, just try to definitely produce a little more offensively. “Just whatever I can do to help the team win”.

Certainly Hextall sees Couturier as a big part of the team.