Logan Couture’s Playing Days Come to an End: A Heartfelt Farewell to a Sharks Legend
In a move that has sent ripples through the NHL community, the San Jose Sharks have announced a press conference scheduled for Tuesday. The event will see the club and their esteemed captain, Logan Couture, reveal that the veteran center is unable to continue his playing career due to injury. This news was confirmed by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski on Monday night, following an initial report.
According to an NHL source who spoke with Wyshynski, Couture will not officially retire. Instead, he will remain on long-term injured reserve. However, this marks the end of his playing days, closing the chapter on one of the most remarkable careers in Sharks history.
During the press conference, San Jose’s general manager, Mike Grier, will be joined by Couture, who is now 36 years old. Couture was a first-round pick for the Sharks back in 2007 and has spent this entire season on LTIR. Last season, he managed to appear in just six games for the rebuilding organization. His last full season was in 2022-23, where he played 82 games, scoring 27 goals and amassing 67 points.
Couture has been battling osteitis pubis, a painful inflammation between the left and right pubic bones. Despite this, he has been a consistent playoff performer, even though the Sharks have never clinched a Stanley Cup. In 116 postseason games, Couture scored 48 goals, with 16 of those coming on the power play, and accumulated 101 points. He was instrumental in leading San Jose to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016, where they ultimately fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
As the Sharks conclude their regular season this week, Couture is wrapping up the sixth season of an eight-year, $64 million contract. He is set to earn $13 million over the next two seasons, with his contract carrying a salary-cap hit of $8 million.
Logan Couture will finish his illustrious career with 323 goals and 701 points, placing him behind only Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, and Joe Pavelski on the franchise’s all-time points leaderboard.
The news of Couture’s decision was first reported by the Daily Faceoff, and it has certainly left fans and analysts alike reflecting on his impact and legacy. As we look back on his career, here are some key highlights:
- First-round pick by the Sharks in 2007.
- Played 82 games in his last full season (2022-23), scoring 27 goals and 67 points.
- Scored 48 goals in 116 postseason games, with 16 power-play goals.
- Helped lead the Sharks to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016.
- Ranks fourth on the Sharks’ all-time points leaderboard with 701 points.
Logan Couture’s journey with the San Jose Sharks has been nothing short of extraordinary. His leadership, skill, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the franchise and its fans. As he transitions to a new chapter, the hockey world will undoubtedly miss seeing him on the ice, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
