Flyers’ Sean Couturier Contract More Justified Than It Seems

Stylistically, it isn’t much of a surprise that the two clicked so well. Couturier is a high-end winner of puck battles, is very intelligent, and possesses excellent playmaking traits. Though he’s one of the slowest skaters in the league, Couturier’s work ethic, smarts, and skill make that weakness rather trivial. While his prime passed long ago, the 32-year-old can decidedly still dominate the opposition and make his teammates exponentially better.

Couturier’s Contract Is Better Than It Looks

The salary cap is rising rapidly. Most fans are aware of this, but comprehending what that means is a different story. So, let’s break it down. From 2024–25 to 2027–28, the NHL projects its cap ceiling to rise by $25.5 million, which is an 8.85% boost annually. If that percentage increase is applied through the duration of Couturier’s contract, by the end of the deal, he’ll be making the equivalent of $5.07 million in last season’s terms. Take a look:

Just for reference, the Flyers are paying $5.07 million in retention penalties this season (Kevin Hayes and Scott Laughton). Couturier may be overpaid by 2029–30, but he’ll be making middle-six center money—the long-term ramifications aren’t that severe. Worst-case scenario, they’re closer to negligible.

Getting away from the future, Couturier’s current going rate isn’t even steep for what he provides. Last season, he finished third on the Flyers in point-scoring and fourth in goal share while averaging second-line minutes. By the numbers, he’s an effective second-line center who can play higher in the lineup if needed. His $7.75 million cap hit may seem indefensible, but that’s not exactly bad value.

The Flyers’ dysfunctional power play gives Couturier some leeway. He recorded 33 points at 5-on-5, the same as Dylan Larkin and more than Carter Verhaeghe, Dylan Cozens, Kevin Fiala, Sam Bennett, Aho, and other top-six players now earning at least $7 million annually. Winning his minutes on a team that finished fourth-last in the league, too, Philadelphia’s captain has some juice left—and a lot more than he gets credit for.

Couturier may not be the Selke Trophy-winning center he once was, but he’s still an impactful player. Whether or not that lasts through the duration of his contract, the league’s rising salary cap could make any regression tolerable.