The Carter trade, which looked good on trade day, is looking like an epic win today. This is mostly due to Sean Couturier. When getting the #8 pick, you expect to get a good player, but Couturier is exceeding what can be reasonably expected of a #8 pick jumping straight to the NHL.
It was surprising that he fell that far in the draft, as back at the beginning of last season, many scouts projected him to the #1 overall pick. However, if Flyers fans feel cheated by missing out on Patrick Kane due to bad luck and being stuck with #2 pick in a year when there were few can't miss players available after Kane, they've fallen into good fortune with Cooter.
This is no doubt rigging the stats by running the numbers when Cooter's are inflated by his current goal streak, but the numbers are pretty shocking.
Jeff Carter, 30gp, 10g, 7a, 59:53/goal, 85:33/assist
Sean Couturier, 40gp, 10g, 7a, 49:57/goal, 71:22/assist
Also keep in mind that Carter's ice time generally breaks down as 80% even strength (on a mediocre team with top linemates), 17% power play, 3% shorthanded. Cooter's is more like 80% even strength (4th line with 2 other rookies), 2% power play, 18% shorthanded.
I don't mean to say Cooter is a better player than Carter right now, but for their production to be even close right now is shocking. Cooter being more productive with his shorthanded minutes and 4th line teammates than Carter has been with Rick Nash is scandalous.
And why not throw in Voracek's stats too?
44gp, 7g, 20a, 102:51/goal, 36:00/assist
And oh yeah, the Flyers got a 3rd round pick as well for Carter.
Now just sit back and enjoy seeing Cooter playing with more and more assertiveness on offense. He still doesn't like to carry the puck, but his smarts, passing and shooting are doing just fine right now.
Best trade for the Flyers since Recchi for Desjardins and LeClair? Still a long ways to go, but the early returns are very good.
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