Flyers Sign Couturier

The Flyers have been impressed by their 1st pick in the 2011 Entry Draft so far in camp, as Sean Couturier is showing that he does have the skills to compete with the big boys. On Tuesday night, he put some points up on the board in their preseason game against the Leafs and on Wednesday, the Flyers signed him to his entry-level contract, which will take him through the next three years, assuming that he makes the team out of camp in October.

There are no financial details released at the time of the announcement, but being the 8th overall selection in the draft should mean some very good bonuses for Couturier, which could lift him over the $2 million mark for a cap hit this season.  The Flyers are hugging the salary cap ceiling already, so if they are serious on having Couturier in the line-up, some moves may have to be made before then.

If Couturier can crack the Flyers line-up, he could be looking at some real top six minutes this year, which could mean some good points.  Right now, I'll pencil him in for 35 points, with potential for something more, it might be tough for him to outshine Brayden Schenn, but he certainly may make a run for it.