Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The San Jose Sharks provided one of the first major storylines of the offseason when they signed Logan Couture to a contract extension last week. The five year contract extension that the two sides agreed to will pay him $30 million, going into effective after the 2013-14 season.
The 2013 season saw Couture essentially emerge as the face of the franchise for the Sharks. With an aging core, Couture represents the next generation of sorts for the organization. He had a fantastic year, stepping up in big moments throughout the year, particularly in the postseason.
Had the 2013 been a full campaign, rather than the lockout shortened 48 that we saw, Couture very well could have challenged some of his career marks. He finished the year with 37 points, 21 of them being goals. His point total was second on the team, behind only Joe Thornton, while his 21 goals were easily tops on the team.
In the postseason, Couture finished with a point per game, with 11 points in 11 playoff tilts. Five of those were goals, three of which were game winners. While the Sharks were unable to avoid another postseason disappointment, he consistently stepped up when the Sharks needed offense.
There’s little doubt at this point in his career that Couture is set to take his place among the league’s elite within the next couple of years. He’s already established himself as a franchise type player for San Jose, as he’s improved every year he’s been in the league to this point.
This is a kid capable of putting up 30 goals a year for the next several seasons. That type of talent isn’t cheap. And he’s going to get better. Couture is only 24 and is going to be heading into his prime within the next couple of years. The contract extension for Couture, which will keep him in San Jose until he’s 30, will pay him for most of those prime years. And if what we’ve seen from him so far is any indication, $6 million is going to be a bargain.
