Philadelphia Flyers captain Sean Couturier will be left out by head coach John Tortorella against the Toronto Maple Leafs, key player confirmed Philly Hockey Now Tuesday.
In the morning skate, Couturier saw extra minutes alongside Denis Gurianov and Cam Atkinson. The three players were grouped together on Monday in training within a fifth trio, again according to Philly Hockey Now.
“I have to put my ego aside,” the Flyers captain said after the team’s practice. I control what I can control. I hope the guys manage to get a victory tonight. ”
“I can tell you one thing, with John Tortorella, the name behind the jersey doesn’t matter,” said general manager Daniel Brière. He is known for that. He treats all the players on his team the same. ”
Having averaged 20 minutes 35 seconds per game in February, Couturier’s playing time has dropped to 14 minutes 14 seconds since the start of March. Saturday against the Boston Bruins, he played only 11 minutes 10 seconds, his lowest total since the start of the season.
Couturier has totaled 11 goals and 25 assists in 64 games so far since the start of the campaign, but he has been limited to 1 assist in his last 9 games.
Jérémy Lauzon on the sidelines
Nashville Predators defenseman Jérémy Lauzon will be out with a lower body injury. The team announced that the Quebecer would be evaluated weekly.
Lauzon sits atop the NHL in hits this season with a total of 327. His closest pursuer is Garnet Hathaway with 268.
The Val-d’Or native has six goals and seven assists in 68 games in 2023-24.
Pelletier sold to the American League
The Calgary Flames have transferred Quebec forward Jakob Pelletier to their farm club in the American Hockey League.
Pelletier had 1 goal and 2 assists in 13 games with the Flames since the start of the season. In the American League, he scored 2 goals and obtained 1 assist in 4 games.
Pelletier missed much of the campaign due to a shoulder injury suffered during training camp. He returned to action in January before missing approximately two weeks of activity in February with an upper-body injury.
Hughes absent from training, but will play tonight
New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes did not participate in his team’s morning practice, a few hours before the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins scheduled for the evening.
Hughes, however, trained off the ice and will be able to participate in the game. He played more than 21 minutes against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday.
Furthermore, defenseman John Marino was also conspicuous by his absence from the morning skate and he will not face the Penguins due to an upper body injury. It’s once again, Santeri Hatakka will take his place in the lineup.
Walman will not face the Blue Jackets
Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde announced that defenseman Jake Walman will not face the Columbus Blue Jackets due to a lower body injury.
Striker Michael Rasmussen is not feeling well and whether or not he will participate in the match will be decided before the start of the match.
The Red Wings have recalled fullback Simon Edvinsson from their Grand Rapids farm club in the American Hockey League. The 6th overall pick in 2021 played in 2 games with the Red Wings earlier this season. He has 8 goals and 21 assists in 52 games in Grand Rapids.
