The Philadelphia Flyers (29-19-6) named Sean Couturier their latest captain, 20th in franchise history. He is under contract through 2029-2030. Travis Konecny and Scott Laughton will be the alternate captains.
Last worn by Claude Giroux from 2012-2022, the ‘C’ belongs to Couturier, who fits all of the bills.
“It’s such a great honor. It’s a really prestigious organization, so this makes it even more special. The city is my home and I love it here.”
Sean Couturier; 2/14/2024
Drafted eighth overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Couturier is the longest-tenured skater on the Flyers roster, having played the fifth most games in team history. He’s experienced every emotion a player can have during an NHL season and is no stranger to holding a leadership role. Couturier was an alternate captain alongside Giroux previously.
He embraced Philadelphia since making his debut in 2011. His consistency, resilience, and determination on a nightly basis made him a fan favorite because it displayed the very fabric of what it means to be on the Flyers.
Daniel Briere, Chris Pronger, and Giroux are a few leaders who helped shape Couturier into the veteran he’s become. In 2019-2020, he earned the Frank J. Selke Trophy, putting the league on notice.
Entering this season, there were a lot of questions surrounding his health after Couturier missed nearly two seasons due to back surgeries. However, he silenced his critics and excelled, showing he hasn’t lost a step:
“The adversity he [Couturier] has had to overcome has only strengthened his proven leadership. In this ‘New Era of Orange’ with Dan Hilferty, Keith Jones, and John Tortorella at the helm, we couldn’t be more proud to call him captain.”
Daniel Briere; 2/14/2024
Konecny and Laughton both wear the ‘A.’ Laughton was the only player on the roster to don a letter since John Tortorella signed on as the head coach. Konecny will now enter a well-deserved leadership role. Both were speculated upon the next Flyers’ captaincy and will define the supporting roles alongside Couturier.
Speculation looms regarding the team’s position at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, including concern about the future of Laughton in Philadelphia.
(AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
