Coots puts it all together and is a Selke nominee.

While I agree with the gist of this, I don't fully agree with the line I bolded. While the opposing coach may not have to game plan to stop Couturier offensively, they will though try and go out of their way to avoid having their top center match up against him and that can mess up a coaches plan, especially when playing on the road.
- BiggE

may? they never will.

the defensive prowess of #14 is just getting out of hand. he isn't elite. he is a good player. thats it.

Coots puts it all together and is a Selke nominee.
- Konalover

you can say that about a numerous players no? where did he finish this year? 47?

Couturier is literally the only forward on the roster to drive possession and produce points at even strength in Hak's system. Anyone who complains about him is a (frank)ing idiot.

Couturier is literally the only forward on the roster to drive possession and produce points at even strength in Hak's system. Anyone who complains about him is a (frank)ing idiot.
- PhillySportsGuy

Coots, for being a core player, is not infallible and is certainly open to complaints.

may? they never will.

the defensive prowess of #14 is just getting out of hand. he isn't elite. he is a good player. thats it.
- rinaldo

Imho Coots defensive prowess is elite. If he would be lined up with skilled wingers for an extended amount of time, his offensive numbers would improve to north of 40 pts. A guy who can shut down the other teams top line and score at a decent clip at ES is an important piece to have on the team. So yeah, he's a good player.

Imho Coots defensive prowess is elite. If he would be lined up with skilled wingers for an extended amount of time, his offensive numbers would improve to north of 40 pts. A guy who can shut down the other teams top line and score at a decent clip at ES is an important piece to have on the team. So yeah, he's a good player.
- riverfly

Every player would love to have skilled guys with them. I would expect More from a 8th overall pick who many thought was a #1. Is 40-45 points the expectation for him going forward? Or should it be higher?

I just don't think he shuts other teams down as much as people seem to think he does.

Every player would love to have skilled guys with them. I would expect More from a 8th overall pick who many thought was a #1. Is 40-45 points the expectation for him going forward? Or should it be higher?

I just don't think he shuts other teams down as much as people seem to think he does.
- rinaldo

That's fair. How old is he?......Yeah, him being selected 8th kinda puts him in a class where you might expect more offense. He's young and I still see more coming from him in the future, He has some time yet to figure the offense out.

That's fair. How old is he?......Yeah, him being selected 8th kinda puts him in a class where you might expect more offense. He's young and I still see more coming from him in the future, He has some time yet to figure the offense out.
- riverfly

Young in age but this is his what 7th year in the league? Also can he be counted on to play a full season?

Young in age but this is his what 7th year in the league? Also can he be counted on to play a full season?
- rinaldo

Good question....injuries are a bit of a concern with him. The overall skill of the team seems to have been upgraded from last year. I'm hoping there will be legitimate scoring threats on all 4 lines and that may help Coots in the long run.....Anyone think there's any chance that 3 prospects on D crack the line up this year?. I know Morin and Hagg are considered the front runners. I was at Phantoms games in Hershey last year and Sanheim really stood out. Myers was a late cut at camp last year too.

Coots, for being a core player, is not infallible and is certainly open to complaints.
- opeth_pa

Never said he's perfect. I just think it's stupid to complain about the best even strength player on a terrible even strength team.

Every player would love to have skilled guys with them. I would expect More from a 8th overall pick who many thought was a #1. Is 40-45 points the expectation for him going forward? Or should it be higher?

I just don't think he shuts other teams down as much as people seem to think he does.
- rinaldo

Yes. The prestige of the 8th overall pick! Look at this long list of elite players over the years!

2013 Rasmus Ristolainen D TPS (FIN) Buffalo Sabres
2012 Derrick Pouliot D Portland (WHL) Pittsburgh Penguins
2011 Sean Couturier C Drummondville (QMJHL) Philadelphia Flyers
2010 Alex Burmistrov C Barrie (OHL) Atlanta Thrashers
2009 Scott Glennie C Brandon (WHL) Dallas Stars
2008 Mikkel Boedker LW Kitchener (OHL) Phoenix Coyotes
2007 Zach Hamill C Everett (WHL) Boston Bruins
2006 Peter Mueller C Everett (WHL) Phoenix Coyotes
2005 Devin Setoguchi RW Saskatoon Blades (WHL) San Jose Sharks
2004 Alexandre PicardLW Lewiston MAINEiacs (QMJHL)Columbus Blue Jackets
2003 Braydon Coburn D Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) Atlanta Thrashers
2002 Pierre-Marc Bouchard C Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL) Minnesota Wild
2001 Pascal Leclaire G Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) Columbus Blue Jackets
2000 Nikita Alexeev LW/RW Erie Otters (OHL) Tampa Bay Lightning
1999 Taylor Pyatt LW Sudbury Wolves (OHL) New York Islanders
1998 Mark Bell C Ottawa 67's (OHL) Chicago Blackhawks
1997 Sergei Samsonov LW Detroit Vipers (IHL) Boston Bruins
1996 Johnathan Aitken D Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) Boston Bruins
1995 Terry Ryan LW Tri-City Americans (WHL) Montreal Canadiens
1994 Jason Wiemer C Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) Tampa Bay Lightning
1993 Niklas Sundstrom RW Modo Ornskoldsvik (SEL) New York Rangers

18

you can say that about a numerous players no? where did he finish this year? 47?
- rinaldo

What a brilliant retort! I did not know that there were other players at all even on the team or league. Thanks for the insight. So to help to help you. I know that there are other players in the league/team that can win a trophy of any kind.
My comment was that I think that this particular player considering the remaining league could possibly put it together for a nomination, understand my comment now? Or just wanna continue to be a giantwienerhead! Someone says black you say indigo, ponderous

Never said he's perfect. I just think it's stupid to complain about the best even strength player on a terrible even strength team.
- PhillySportsGuy

So like I said..he isnt infallible and does some things well and other things not so well to this point in his career.

You cant just pick the elements of his game that he does well and ignore the rest.

Again..Im not arguing if he is a core player because I believe he is one of the more important players on this team when its competing for a cup ...

Yes. The prestige of the 8th overall pick! Look at this long list of elite players over the years!

2013 Rasmus Ristolainen D TPS (FIN) Buffalo Sabres
2012 Derrick Pouliot D Portland (WHL) Pittsburgh Penguins
2011 Sean Couturier C Drummondville (QMJHL) Philadelphia Flyers
2010 Alex Burmistrov C Barrie (OHL) Atlanta Thrashers
2009 Scott Glennie C Brandon (WHL) Dallas Stars
2008 Mikkel Boedker LW Kitchener (OHL) Phoenix Coyotes
2007 Zach Hamill C Everett (WHL) Boston Bruins
2006 Peter Mueller C Everett (WHL) Phoenix Coyotes
2005 Devin Setoguchi RW Saskatoon Blades (WHL) San Jose Sharks
2004 Alexandre PicardLW Lewiston MAINEiacs (QMJHL)Columbus Blue Jackets
2003 Braydon Coburn D Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) Atlanta Thrashers
2002 Pierre-Marc Bouchard C Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL) Minnesota Wild
2001 Pascal Leclaire G Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) Columbus Blue Jackets
2000 Nikita Alexeev LW/RW Erie Otters (OHL) Tampa Bay Lightning
1999 Taylor Pyatt LW Sudbury Wolves (OHL) New York Islanders
1998 Mark Bell C Ottawa 67's (OHL) Chicago Blackhawks
1997 Sergei Samsonov LW Detroit Vipers (IHL) Boston Bruins
1996 Johnathan Aitken D Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) Boston Bruins
1995 Terry Ryan LW Tri-City Americans (WHL) Montreal Canadiens
1994 Jason Wiemer C Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) Tampa Bay Lightning
1993 Niklas Sundstrom RW Modo Ornskoldsvik (SEL) New York Rangers
- PhillySportsGuy

Prior history is irrevelvent.

Do you not expect more from him being he was drafted very high? Many thought it was a steal getting him at 8. Has he been a steal?

18
- Giroux_Is_God

Happy birthday

Yes. The prestige of the 8th overall pick! Look at this long list of elite players over the years!

2013 Rasmus Ristolainen D TPS (FIN) Buffalo Sabres
2012 Derrick Pouliot D Portland (WHL) Pittsburgh Penguins
2011 Sean Couturier C Drummondville (QMJHL) Philadelphia Flyers
2010 Alex Burmistrov C Barrie (OHL) Atlanta Thrashers
2009 Scott Glennie C Brandon (WHL) Dallas Stars
2008 Mikkel Boedker LW Kitchener (OHL) Phoenix Coyotes
2007 Zach Hamill C Everett (WHL) Boston Bruins
2006 Peter Mueller C Everett (WHL) Phoenix Coyotes
2005 Devin Setoguchi RW Saskatoon Blades (WHL) San Jose Sharks
2004 Alexandre PicardLW Lewiston MAINEiacs (QMJHL)Columbus Blue Jackets
2003 Braydon Coburn D Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) Atlanta Thrashers
2002 Pierre-Marc Bouchard C Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL) Minnesota Wild
2001 Pascal Leclaire G Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) Columbus Blue Jackets
2000 Nikita Alexeev LW/RW Erie Otters (OHL) Tampa Bay Lightning
1999 Taylor Pyatt LW Sudbury Wolves (OHL) New York Islanders
1998 Mark Bell C Ottawa 67's (OHL) Chicago Blackhawks
1997 Sergei Samsonov LW Detroit Vipers (IHL) Boston Bruins
1996 Johnathan Aitken D Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) Boston Bruins
1995 Terry Ryan LW Tri-City Americans (WHL) Montreal Canadiens
1994 Jason Wiemer C Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) Tampa Bay Lightning
1993 Niklas Sundstrom RW Modo Ornskoldsvik (SEL) New York Rangers
- PhillySportsGuy

Lol.....This puts things in the proper perspective now doesn't it. Hell, Coots is one of the better players on this list. Thanks PSG

What a brilliant retort! I did not know that there were other players at all even on the team or league. Thanks for the insight. So to help to help you. I know that there are other players in the league/team that can win a trophy of any kind.
My comment was that I think that this particular player considering the remaining league could possibly put it together for a nomination, understand my comment now? Or just wanna continue to be a giantwienerhead! Someone says black you say indigo, ponderous
- Konalover

And my comment was so could numerous players. You really offered no insight at all saying if he put it all together. That was brilliant

If Patrick can be a legit 1C by the end of 18-19, and I think he can, they will be in great shape.
Going into the playoffs that season, their top 3 centers and ages will be:

Patrick 20
Giroux 31
Couturier 26
- BiggE

Yep...that's pretty strong down the middle (assuming Patrick is who we think...but he wouldn't supplant G if he wasn't). I love Coots game. I have no dilutions of grandeur regarding his offensive prowess. I just look back at the video the 2012 PENNS series and think of what he did to Malkin. THATS GOOD enough for me q

Happy birthday
- rinaldo

It's not my birthday

Heading out on the river to do some kayaking. Have a great day everybody.

Heading out on the river to do some kayaking. Have a great day everybody.
- riverfly

Wear your sunscreen

Prior history is irrevelvent.

Do you not expect more from him being he was drafted very high? Many thought it was a steal getting him at 8. Has been a steal?
- rinaldo

My point is that you're overvaluing the 8th overall pick. If you end up with a good 2C from the 8th pick, you're over-drafting your slot. If your expectation is that every top 10 pick be an all star, you're going to be disappointed a lot.

The fact that draftniks may have had him higher is irrelevant. He was picked 8th; not 1st.

It's not my birthday
- Giroux_Is_God

When u posted 18 I shouldn't have assumed u turned 18 today. I am truly sorry if I offended you