Flyers extend Couturier for 8 years

The Philadelphia Flyers signed forward Sean Couturier to an eight-year extension with an average annual value of $7.75 million, the team announced Thursday.

The contract goes into effect in the 2022-23 season. The first seven years of the deal have a full no-movement clause, while the final year includes a modified 21-team no-trade list, according to The Associated Press' Stephen Whyno.

Couturier has developed into one of the league's most well-rounded centers during the last few campaigns. He put up 18 goals and 23 assists in 45 games last season.

"As one of the premier two-way centers in the NHL, Sean has the rare talent to shut down opposing team's top players while also contributing at a high offensive level," general manager Chuck Fletcher said. "Throughout his 10-year career with the Flyers, he has proven to be the ultimate teammate. He carries an enormous presence inside our dressing room due to his preparation, determination, and drive to win."

Last season, Couturier ranked 12th among skaters with a 59.23 Corsi For rating at five-on-five. He's been nominated for the Selke Trophy twice, winning it in 2020. During his Selke-winning campaign, Couturier led the NHL with a 59.6 face-off win percentage.

The Flyers selected Couturier with the eighth overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. He's collected 174 goals and 269 assists in 692 career games.

Copyright (C) 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.