The Sharks may have lost out on John Tavares, but Logan Couture is here to stay. The 29-year-old center signed an eight-year deal with the same club that drafted him ninth-overall in 2007, with an $8 million average annual value.
Logan Couture’s contract breakdown: Year 1, $4M sb, $6M salary; Year 2, $5M sb, $4M salary; Year 3, $3M sb, $6M salary; Year 4, $4M sb, $4m salary; Year 5, $8 M salary; Year 6, $7M salary; Year 7, $7M salary; Year 8, $6M salary
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2018
Couture’s impact on this team is often understated. Emmanuel Perry of Corisca describes Couture as “one of the league’s most underrated players,” ranking him 24th in centers and 44th in forwards. He’s quietly ranked fifth in his draft class in goals with 213 career NHL goals. He’s one of only 15 players in the league to have recorded seven or more seasons of 20-plus goals since 2010-11. In 582 career games with San Jose, Couture has recorded 437 points (213 goals, 224 assists), and is fourth in goals, fifth in points, fifth in power-play goals (65), third in game-winning goals (40), and fifth in shots on goal (1,702) in Sharks franchise history.
His leadership is a quality in a league of its own. He’s served as an alternate captain for the last three seasons. He reaches out to players, notably texting John Tavares to tell him about San Jose and contacted 2018 first-round draft pick Ryan Merkley after the draft.
A bit off topic, I know, but I asked Couture if he plans to chat with Ryan Merkley at all. Said he called him after the draft & that he’ll swing by the #SJSharks dev. camp next week, probably see him then. SJ, it would seem, wants its leaders to help show Merkley the way.
— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) July 1, 2018
“Logan is a difference maker and has the proven ability to elevate his game when his team needs him the most,” said Doug Wilson. “His leadership, on and off the ice, combined with his high skill level and hockey sense make him a crucial component to this team’s success. We’re thrilled that Logan has made this long-term commitment to the team and to the community.”
No doubt Wilson plans on Couture continuing to lead San Jose’s young talent for years to come.
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