It is being reported by multiple outlets that Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier has apparently re-injured his right knee during a tournament in Quebec.
After putting up a career year for himself, the Philadelphia Flyers 25-year-old center Sean Couturier is being reported as having a setback in his off-season preparation.
As originally reported by Jonathan Bernier of the Montreal Journal, the re-injury of his right MCL apparently occurred during a routine play in the tournament in Quebec known as “Boot Camp”.
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Translated from the French-language publication:
"“Couturier injured his right knee again with a routine move at the Boot Camp tournament in Quebec City two weekends ago. It is the medial collateral ligament of the right knee that would have been affected.”"
In an odd occurrence last year, the right knee of Couturier was previously damaged by a freak accident during a team practice in April. He would unfortunately collide awkwardly during a drill with defenseman and teammate Radko Gudas. This resulted in what would be determined as an MCL injury.
That didn’t stop Couturier from contributing in the playoffs. He would continue to compete through the pain to play five games, scoring five goals and picking up four assists to lead his team with nine points.
Couturier is no stranger to knee injuries. Going back to November of 2016, he would suffer a knee injury during a game versus the Florida Panthers, which sidelined him for about six weeks.
Couturier had a career year statistically for the Flyers last season. His 82 regular season game contribution included 31 goals and 45 assists for a total of 76 points. Each of those set career-bests. He also compiled a plus-minus rating of +34 to lead the Flyers.
He finished second last year for the Frank J. Selke trophy, behind the Los Angeles Kings’ Anze Kopitar. It’s the sixth time in seven seasons Couturier has placed in the award voting.
Judging from how important he has shown to be for the Flyers lineup and his unfortunately lengthy history of knee issues, it’s safe to assume the team will take their time with his recovery.
If the Montreal Journal report is accurate, and his original injury date did occur two weeks ago, that would put Sean Couturier back in the lineup sometime around mid to late September. It may even be in the teams best interest to side on caution and just let him recover until October to make sure he’s 100 percent healthy.
With surgery seemingly being ruled out for the time being, there would be plenty of time for Couturier to get into game shape and help his club make another playoff push.