Iced Up Youngsters: Logan Couture
It’s tough for a young player to break into the league when the old guard is one of the most productive around. But Logan Couture is giving the San Jose Sharks a reason to look forward to the future when their aging stars step down from the pedestal.
Career Stats: Goals – Assists – Points
- 2009-2010: 25 – 5 – 4
- 2010-2011: 26 – 12 – 6
Sure, his body of work is a bit short to review. But it’s becoming clear what his biggest asset is: goal scoring.
Profile: Logan spent four very productive season’s in the OHL playing for the Ottawa 67’s. His rookie year, he was third in league scoring behind John Tavares and Sergei Kostitsyn, with 64 points in 65 games. His sophomore season was a huge improvement, when he had 78 points in 54 games, and participated in the OHL All Star Game. That summer, the San Jose Sharks drafted him 9th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. In 2007-2008 his scoring dropped to only 58 points in 51 games, which is still not bad. He rebounded with 87 points in 62 games in his final season. After the season ended, he played 4 games without registering a point for the Worcester Sharks in the AHL. The next season, scored 20 goals and added 33 assists in 42 games while being bounced between the AHL’s and NHL’s Sharks. He managed to fit the AHL All Star Game into his busy schedule. This season, he’s become a regular player, and is currently 2ndin rookie points behind Jeff Skinner. However, he leads all rookies with 12 goals.
What makes him special?: To fit in with the current San Jose Sharks system, a player needs to be able to do everything at a high pace. Couture fits right in with his quick feet and quicker hands. More importantly, he knows how to read a play and go to the right place. Last nights pair of goals against Detroit demonstrate that perfectly. First, he came into the zone on a nifty maneuver around Rafalski, then set up right next to the crease, out of the goalies vision, and put his stick in a perfect spot to deflect a quick pass into the net. Later, off of a center ice draw, he pulled a puck out of a crowd, used his body to shield the puck, and ripped a shot past Jimmy Howard. On most of goals, it’s they are the result of his speed. He gains a step, and foot of space turns into a rush with no defenders within a sticks length. When he’s in the offensive zone, he heads hard towards the net, but not like a typical power forward. As soon as the net is within his sights, he’s releases a very quick wrist shot. It might be a stretch to say it reminds me of Stamkos, but it’s getting there. If he keeps going at his current pace, opposing defenders might jsut have to start game planning for him a bit more, opening things up even more for Thornton, Heatley and Marleau. That’s a scary thought!
Jersey Worthy?: Yes, this guy looks like he’s for real. He benefits from having talented teammates, but doesn’t rely on them to make him look good. he can create his own chances, and will only become better, and obviously more popular. Get his jersey early, and make fun of all the followers later.
Hate Factor: Low. Goalscorer, playmaker, pest.
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