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Lean Bergmann | C
Ryan Carpenter | C
Cole Cassels | C
Alexander Chmelevski | C
Sasha Chmelevski | C
Logan Couture
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Center
STRENGTHS
Finish: Couture is a strong finisher because he positions himself well in the offensive zone. He offers good targets for his teammates around the crease and boasts a shot that beats goaltenders due to quickness more often than accuracy. He’s often shooting before netminders are even set.
Reliable: He’s earned his reputation as a solid two-way forward over the years. He takes care of the puck on one end and hunts it down on the other. He’s also a willing shot-blocker. All told, he’s a responsible center who depends on good positioning and a high compete level.
Big-Game Performer: He’s one of those good players who can dig deep and elevate to a completely different plane in the playoffs. Couture’s production skyrockets in the postseason, as he just wills pucks into the net. His team may not always get there, but if it does, Couture will rise to the occasion.
WEAKNESSES
Chance Creation: Though Couture is a serviceable threat on the attack, he doesn’t drive much offense on his own. He depends on teammates to find him quality looks in tight. If those don’t come, he often seems stranded on an island. He doesn’t show the playmaking ability to carve defenses open.
Skating: Couture isn’t necessarily slow, but he certainly lacks the high-end wheels that are becoming a requirement in the modern NHL. As a result, he doesn’t impact the game as much as he did earlier in his career. It’s getting increasingly difficult for him to lead the charge.
