(Kate Frese/Sports Talk Philly)
By Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 
Ron Hextall took a flier on Sean Couturier when he signed him to a 6-year $26 million contract in the summer of 2015. At the time, Couturier had scored 45 goals and 73 assists for 118 points in 287 games.
Knowing that Couturier had yet to emerge as an overly offensive-minded center and was better known as a defensive specialist brought this move into question, especially given the cap hit of $4.33 million per season on a team strapped by cap issues.
With this being the first season that this deal is on the books, it is appropriate to compare Couturier's production to those making similar money to him across the league. At first glance, Couturier would appear to be overpaid when compared to the players making money in the same range. But with a strong month of March coming to an end, Couturier is proving the offensive ability is there, even if it wasn't on display for much of the season.
Couturier's numbers as compared to other centers in his price range don't match up.
| NAME | TEAM | GP | G | A | P | CAP HIT |
| Sean Couturier | PHI | 57 | 12 | 15 | 27 | $4.33M |
| Mike Fisher | NSH | 68 | 17 | 24 | 51 | $4.4M |
| Michael Frolik | CGY | 74 | 16 | 26 | 42 | $4.3M |
| James Van Riemsdyk | TOR | 73 | 23 | 32 | 55 | $4.25M |
| Patric Hornqvist | PIT | 62 | 18 | 29 | 39 | $4.25M |
| John Klingberg | DAL | 71 | 11 | 32 | 43 | $4.25M |
At his price, Couturier has underachieved on the point sheet. However, the blame is not on Couturier. Couturier's defensive value has effectively negated his offensive opportunities. When he was signed, Couturier was expected to begin receiving a more prominent offensive role under new coach Dave Hakstol.
It did not take Hakstol long to learn about the need for Couturier on defense. Couturier is easily the best defensive forward on the roster, challenged only by Pierre-Edouard Bellemare. Unfortunately for Couturier, he has been typecast yet again as the shutdown center.
Ever since his rookie season, when he shut down Penguins' star center Evgeni Malkin in the playoffs as a 19-year-old, Couturier has been known as a defensive specialist. It is a role that he has excelled in, but the former seventh overall pick has always had more to offer.
When Couturier played for the Drummondvillle Voltigeurs in the QMJHL as a draft prospect, he totalled 192 points in 126 games over his final two seasons. He led the league with 96 points in both seasons. At the time, it was the most by a QMJHL player since Sidney Crosby. Couturier did that while missing 10 games in the second season with mononucleosis.
The offensive ability is there.
Couturier is not a case of a player whose offensive game did not transfer from junior. Couturier spends much of his time on lines with bottom six forwards like Dale Weise, Michael Raffl or Matt Read. When Couturier gets the opportunity to play with players like Jake Voracek, Brayden Schenn, or Travis Konecny, he has produced.
Interestingly, Couturier's offensive game coming into form has coincided with the acquisition of Valtteri Filppula at the March 1 trade deadline. Filppula has relegated Couturier to third-line duties, where he should be receiving even less offensive chances, but since the trade, Couturier has caught fire and been one of the Flyers best players.
In the month of March, Couturier has played in 15 games, scoring four goals with 10 assists for 14 points. He is also a plus-16.
Whether the trade motivated him, or it is a matter of him finally being completely healthy following his injury, Couturier is playing at a level worth more than what Hextall gave him in 2015.
Couturier has also been a driving force in wins this season. In losses, Couturier has eight points in 35 games and he is a minus-17. In victories, Couturier has 20 points in 25 games with a plus-24 rating.
Couturier's offensive impact has directly affected games. Since he has been grouped with Schenn, he's had more offensive opportunities and he has capitalized on them. His defense has not faltered, though, still drawing the tough assignment and shutting them down with success.
His defensive game has remained consistently solid. Couturier is back to showing signs of being a perennial Selke Trophy finalist.
In addition to his play on the ice, Couturier, now in his sixth season, is beginning to be more vocal and develop into a leader on the team. Prior to the team's recent road trip during a tight wild card race, Couturier put the emphasis on consistency, even after a big win in the team's push for a playoff spot.
It is easy to think that we have seen Couturier hit his ceiling after watching him play over the past six years, but we forget that he is only 24 years old, something Hextall hasn't been hesitant to drop as a reminder. He has been mature beyond his years since he entered the league, and now he is entering his physical prime. His game is beginning to get more physical, and the offensive flash he showed in junior is starting to show itself more consistently.
The guy that we have been watching in March is the guy that Hextall levied a big contract extension. It was a gamble, and at first glance it seems like Hextall badly overpaid Couturier, but the reality is that Couturier remains a crucial part of the Flyers core going further.
