PHILADELPHIA -- For as much experience as the Philadelphia Flyers have, two rookies have found their place in the lineup and are making an impact this season.
Sean Couturier was Philadelphia's No. 1 pick in last June's Entry Draft, taken with the pick that was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Jeff Carter deal. Matt Read went undrafted and starred at Bemidji State (Minn.) before signing with the Flyers last May as a free agent.
With one a fresh-faced 18-year old and the other a 25-year old "vet", both Couturier and Read are finding their way in the NHL at the same time together after taking advantage of the opportunity handed to them during training camp.
"Early on in camp when we had we thought a lot of young players available to us, we wanted to give them an opportunity in training camp to play different roles," said Flyers coach Peter Laviolette. "Sean came highly regarded as a smart two-way player that was able to play in a lot of different situations, and we utilized him in those roles during training camp."
"Matt Read had the same opportunity, a little bit different player, a little bit older," he said. "What's really neat about Matt is he's versatile and he can play all positions, including point on the power play. He's smart, he kills penalties. Really both of them have been excellent additions to our team."
Couturier's two-way play and Read's versatility is what has made them both survive at the NHL-level. The Flyers gave Couturier the nine-game rookie tryout before deciding to keep him up with the team and start the clock on his entry-level contract. Read inked a 3-year, $2.7 million deal in March and played 11 games with the Flyers' AHL club in Adirondack before joining the team during training camp.
Read has come a long way from his days growing up in London, Ont. There were no opportunities for him to tryout for Ontario Hockey League teams and found himself at Bemidji State playing all four years, including captaining the squad his senior season, and breaking school records in goals scored, assists and points.
In 33 games with the Flyers this season, Read has 12 goals and 22 points, good enough for fourth among rookies. Despite his early success, he's still getting his bearings on playing in the NHL.
"I'd probably said I'm not settled in yet," Read said. "Playing different roles every night, it's tough to say settled. I feel a little more comfortable. I think it takes maybe a year or two to even feel comfortable out there and be relaxed and not gripping the stick as tightly as you should be. I'm just trying to take it all in and enjoy every moment and make the best of every opportunity."
He's been the youngest guy in the room pretty much wherever he's gone, so that hasn't bothered Couturier this season. Despite starring for Drummondville of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, it's his play in the Flyers' zone that's drawn plenty of praise this season, something Couturier has worked on.
"I've always taken pride in my defensive game," Couturier said. "I've just tried to pay attention to detail, work hard every shift I'm out there. The offense will come along with time."
Couturier, like Read, is enjoying the moment, and is confident he won't be overwhelmed.
"I'm still learning a lot, trying to adjust," said Couturier.
"Once you get out there, it's just like any other game."
Photo credits: AP