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10/4 PHI vs. NJD Postgame: Rick Tocchet



Hear from Head Coach Rick Tocchet after Saturday’s preseason finale.

14 Comments

  1. Why is Couturier still playing for this team? "It is largely accurate to say that Sean Couturier is still with the Philadelphia Flyers primarily because of his long-term contract.
    In 2021, he signed an eight-year, $62 million contract with a no-movement clause for the first seven years that significantly complicates any potential trade."

    Details of Couturier's contract and performance

    Massive, immovable contract: Couturier is signed through the 2029–30 season with an annual cap hit of $7.75 million. The no-movement clause makes him a challenging player to trade.
    History of injury: After signing the new deal, he missed nearly two full seasons due to chronic back problems. While he has since recovered, this created concerns about his ability to perform at the level his contract demands.
    Reduced role: Following his injuries, Couturier was no longer the dominant Selke Trophy-winning two-way center he once was. His performance has declined, with his offensive output and ice time decreasing during the 2024–25 season. This makes his high cap hit appear even more problematic for the team.
    High financial risk: With Couturier turning 33 in December 2025, his age combined with his injury history and declining performance means his contract carries a large amount of financial risk for the Flyers. 

    Factors complicating a trade

    No-movement clause: The full no-movement clause for the first seven years of his contract (through the 2028–29 season) gives Couturier the final say on any trade.
    Lukewarm interest from other teams: Few, if any, teams would be interested in trading for a 32-year-old center with a $7.75 million cap hit and a history of serious injuries. The high salary and long term make him an unattractive trade candidate.
    Unfavorable buyout option: A contract buyout would still leave a significant cap penalty, making it an unappealing option for the team at this time.
    Salary cap context: While the league's salary cap is projected to increase, the contract was signed during a stagnant cap era, making it appear worse at the time. However, it remains a difficult asset for the Flyers to move, despite the rising cap. 
    Quite possibly one of the worst contracts signed in Flyers history?

  2. So another [cough cough] talent on display charade is now over. Nothing happened as usual. Abols proved with the one glorious chance he had today that he is no better at goal scoring than Nic D.
    So Lucky Luch wins again scoring exactly 0 goals.

    Anyway, Tocchet is screwed. He has to play Zegras at center and Z is the worst defensive center in the league. Add on the ongoing Jamie is the worst defenseman since the late Bob Stewart and…

    I think Tocchet is done by end of November.

  3. Comcast has a substantial amount of debt, exceeding $101.5 billion. 
    Is it possible Comcast might set the Flyers adrift?

  4. The problem with that 6/7 defenseman is no one stepped up to really earn that position so Tocchet went with who he knew.

  5. Why is Couturier still playing for this team? "It is largely accurate to say that Sean Couturier is still with the Philadelphia Flyers primarily because of his long-term contract.
    In 2021, he signed an eight-year, $62 million contract with a no-movement clause for the first seven years that significantly complicates any potential trade."

    Details of Couturier's contract and performance

    Massive, immovable contract: Couturier is signed through the 2029–30 season with an annual cap hit of $7.75 million. The no-movement clause makes him a challenging player to trade.
    History of injury: After signing the new deal, he missed nearly two full seasons due to chronic back problems. While he has since recovered, this created concerns about his ability to perform at the level his contract demands.
    Reduced role: Following his injuries, Couturier was no longer the dominant Selke Trophy-winning two-way center he once was. His performance has declined, with his offensive output and ice time decreasing during the 2024–25 season. This makes his high cap hit appear even more problematic for the team.
    High financial risk: With Couturier turning 33 in December 2025, his age combined with his injury history and declining performance means his contract carries a large amount of financial risk for the Flyers. 

    Factors complicating a trade

    No-movement clause: The full no-movement clause for the first seven years of his contract (through the 2028–29 season) gives Couturier the final say on any trade.
    Lukewarm interest from other teams: Few, if any, teams would be interested in trading for a 32-year-old center with a $7.75 million cap hit and a history of serious injuries. The high salary and long term make him an unattractive trade candidate.
    Unfavorable buyout option: A contract buyout would still leave a significant cap penalty, making it an unappealing option for the team at this time.
    Salary cap context: While the league's salary cap is projected to increase, the contract was signed during a stagnant cap era, making it appear worse at the time. However, it remains a difficult asset for the Flyers to move, despite the rising cap. 
    Quite possibly one of the worst contracts signed in Flyers history?

  6. How many times do we have to see Drysdale chasing frantically down the ice after a botched defensive play?

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