"The one thing that makes him attractive to our coaches already is his ability to play in the defensive zone," Holmgren said. "In [Tuesday] night's game, we're killing a 5-on-3 and he's the guy that took the first faceoff. Obviously, there's a trust factor already with the coaches and how smart he is in the defensive zone. My experience, over the last number of years, is that young players who are good defensively have a better chance [to make the roster]."
The deal for the 18-year-old Couturier does not count against the 50-contract maximum yet. He can play up to nine regular-season games, and then would have two viable options. He could remain with the team or be sent back to his Junior League team (Drummondville) for the remainder of the season.
The Flyers could opt to send him to the Phantoms, but they would be wasting the first year of his deal since he could not be recalled to the parent club until Drummondville's season is over in the spring.
He will earn the rookie maximum of $925,000 plus up to $450,000 in bonus which makes his cap hit $1.375 million. That would be a lot to pay a minor leaguer.
Couturier was selected by the Flyers with the eighth overall pick in this year's draft, a selection they acquired from Columbus in the Jeff Carter deal. He still is growing into his 6-4 frame, which the Flyers are banking also will make him a more fluid skater. Couturier did not play last night as other prospects rotated into the lineup.
"Going back to a few guys in our organization," Holmgren said, "Justin Williams made our team as an [18-year-old] because he was pretty good defensively. Same with Simon Gagne [age 19]. Same with Dainius Zubrus [age 18]."
