Sean Couturier is a big body center who has excellent vision and hands. He’s responsible in his own zone, can grind with the best of them, and is one of the best face-off guys in this year’s draft. If this were the pre-lockout NHL, scouts would be drooling all over him (more than they are) because of his combination of size and skill.
Before the season started, Couturier competing for the #1 overall spot in the draft; he was the only underager to make Team Canada’s World Junior Championship team as well. But concerns about his skating ability knocked him down a peg from the likes of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jonathan Huberdeau.
Comparisons for Couturier have ranged from Jason Allison to Joe Thornton. He’s a big player who just looks like he’d be a dominant force with his playmaking ability. Unfortunately, like Thornton he doesn’t always use his big body to his advantage. A truly talented player, he should be able to make it in the NHL—but if he can improve his skating, he’ll be able to thrive. It hasn’t been a problem so far.
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 197 lbs
Position: Center
Team: Drummondville (QMJHL)
- 2008-09: 9 goals and 22 assists (31 points) in 58 games
- 2009-10: 41 goals and 55 assists (96 points) in 68 games
- 2010-11: 36 goals and 60 assists (96 points) in 58 games
Rankings
NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING | #6TH SKATER (NA) |
TSN | 5TH OVERALL |
INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING SERVICES | 4TH OVERALL |
THE HOCKEY NEWS | 4TH OVERALL |
From NHL Central Scouting’s Chris Edwards
From International Scouting Services: