News:Logan Couture returned to the ice after sustaining a second-period leg injury and delivered the game-winner in overtime as the Sharks edged Los Angeles on Saturay night, 2-1. The win cuts the Kings' series lead to 2-1.
Analysis: This is the first OT tally of Logan Couture's career, and came on a San Jose power play. The injury cost him most of the second frame, but he played all of the third before delivering the clincher. As long as he's on a line with Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, Couture is a solid bet to appear on the scoresheet.
News:Logan Couture had an assist in the Sharks loss Thursday.
Analysis: The Sharks are leaning on Logan Couture for productivity. He has nine points in six postseason games this season. With the addition of Pavelski to his line and a return to San Jose on the horizon, look for Couture to continue his productivity.
News:Logan Couture had two assists in the Sharks' series-clinching win Tuesday. He finishes the four-game series with three goals and five assists.
Analysis:Logan Couture's eight points in the first four games of the postseason have him tied for first in the NHL. Couture has been a superstar so far in the playoffs and there's no reason to think that won't continue in round two.
News:Logan Couture had two power-play goals and two assists in San Jose's victory Sunday.
Analysis:Logan Couture is clearly emerging as a leader for the Sharks this postseason with six points in three playoff games. Couture is hot and doesn't show any signs of relenting.
News:Logan Couture scored a powerplay goal in Vancouver on Wednesday and added an assist on a Patrick Marleau goal.
Analysis:Logan Couture looked good on both sides of the puck Wednesday and his powerplay goal was hard-earned. He drew the Zack Kassian penalty that lead to his goal. Wednesday's two points give him nine points in his last six games.
News:Logan Couture bagged an unassisted goal in the second frame of San Jose's 3-2 loss to Los Angeles on Saturday night. He closes the regular season with a ledger of 21-16-37 in 48 games.
Analysis:Logan Couture is a dependable sniper who's amassed 84 goals in the last three seasons, including this year's lockout-shortened campaign. He also finishes the year plus-7, and has never posted a negative season-long plus/minus rating in his career.
News:Logan Couture scored in Tuesday's win over Dallas, stretching his point streak to three games.
Analysis:Logan Couture is in playoff mode already, with six points in the last three games and 20 goals this season, good for 11th overall in the NHL.
News:Logan Couture had two goals and two assists in the Sharks' win Thursday night.
Analysis:Logan Couture owners rejoice, he came up big Thursday night after a slower night on Tuesday. In addition to four points he had a power-play goal and six shots.
News:Logan Couture had the game-winner Monday over the Coyotes.
Analysis: That makes for Logan Couture's team-leading 17th goal this season. Couture has four points in the last six games and has looked great, outside of the two recent games in which the Sharks looked bad all around.
News:Logan Couture had the third period goal that sent Thursday's match against Detroit into overtime.
Analysis: That was Logan Couture's first goal in five games and only his second in the last 11. Couture is an elite talent, but his scoring has been sluggish in the second half of the season (only six goals since the half-way mark). Nonetheless, he has 29 points (16 G, 13 A) and is well worth playing down the stretch.
News:Logan Couture had an assist, two penalty minutes, and a plus-1 rating Friday night against Calgary.
Analysis: You're still playing Logan Couture — he has 27 points this year (15 G, 12 A) — but his production hasn't increased during the Sharks' seven-game win streak like many on the team's offense, which is disappointing.
News:Logan Couture collected his 15th goal of the season in Monday's win against Vancouver. The tally came on a second-period power play, and proved to be the game-winner.
Analysis:Logan Couture can be maddening from a fantasy perspective. He'll put up multi-point nights from time to time, but there are always stretches over the campaign in which he seems to disappear. If you can absorb the frequent two- or three-game droughts, he'll earn his spot on your fantasy roster. He's still developing at just 24, and benefits from having Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau skate with him on power plays.
News:Logan Couture lit the lamp twice, including a power-play tally, against the Oilers on Wednesday.
Analysis:Logan Couture now has 14 goals on the season, but he only has nine assists in 29 games. He's also a plus-3 and has a mere two penalty minutes.
News:Logan Couture netted three points (2G, 1A) in the Sharks 4-3 victory over the Kings on Thursday.
Analysis:Logan Couture scored the last two goals for the Sharks, including one on the power play, to bring his season total to 21 points (12G, 9A). He had a relatively quiet February with only four points for the entire month, but appears to be back on track with seven points, including five in his last four games, to begin March.
News:Logan Couture assisted on both of San Jose's goals in a 2-1 win over the Predators on Saturday. Both scores came with the man advantage, which has been a weak point for the Sharks this season.
Analysis: He levels his log at 8-8-16, and remains a valuable offensive contributor in most fantasy formats. At 23 years old, he's well worth holding onto for the future.
News:Logan Couture assisted on San Jose's only goal in Friday's loss to Chicago, his first point in five games.
Analysis:Logan Couture, like the rest of the Sharks, has seemingly forgotten how to score goals. A 30-goal scorer the past two seasons, Couture has cooled off considerably after a fast start, but he certainly has the talent to get back to consistently producing.
News:Logan Couture scored the Sharks' lone goal in a 2-1 loss to the Ducks on Monday.
Analysis:Logan Couture has had an impressive start to the season with 11 points (6G,5A) in nine games along with the best shooting percentage on the team. He's cooled off since his great start of seven points in the first three games, but has still been productive for the Sharks' second line.
News:Logan Couture scored two goals and assisted on another in Tuesday's win over Edmonton.
Analysis:Logan Couture's off to a rip-roaring start, racking up five points in just two games to open the season. Incredibly, he's taken just four shots on goal in those two games; watch for that number to rise quickly, as Couture's usually good for about three shots per game.
Sharks' Couture Officially Signs Deal With Swiss Team
News:Logan Couture has officially signed his deal with Geneve-Servette of the Swiss League, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Analysis:Logan Couture will be eligible to return to the NHL once the lockout is resolved, but until then, he'll suit up with Gevene-Servette.
News:Logan Couture said Monday that he is close to signing a contract with Geneva of Switzerland during the NHL lockout, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis:Logan Couture led the Sharks with 32 goals last season. He'll now take his talents to Switzerland, in the same league where fellow Sharks teammate Joe Thornton played during the 2004-05 lockout.
News:Logan Couture will have surgery next week to repair a left shoulder separation, CSN's Brodie Brazil reports.
Analysis: This has been an older nagging injury for Logan Couture. There's no reason he shouldn't be ready to go by the start of next season.
News:Logan Couture said he was fine after being roughed up in the Sharks' 5-1 victory over the Avalanche on Monday, CSN's Brodie Brazil reports.
Analysis:Logan Couture had an assist on Joe Pavelski's third period power-play goal. He's been having another solid season as he's only one point behind his total from last season with six games remaining. With the Sharks in a tight race for the playoffs look for Couture to continue to play a big role in the upcoming games.
News:Logan Couture scored the game-winning goal in Monday's 3-2 win over Edmonton.
Analysis:Logan Couture, who scored the goal in the first minute of the third period on the power play, scored his first goal since returning from a lower body injury. He's regained his lead for the Sharks in scoring this year with 28 goals, and is still on pace for a career high in points this season.
News:Logan Couture returned to the ice Saturday after missing two games with a lower-body injury. He skated 20:07 in 26 shifts against the Blues, ending the night minus-1 with no points.
Analysis: He looks safe to reactivate.
News:Logan Couture (lower body) expects to play against St. Louis on Saturday, CSN Bay Area's Brodie Brazil reports.
Analysis: It would be ideal if Logan Couture's owners could check back a bit closer to game time before activating him, but it appears as if he's ready to make his return.
News:Logan Couture stayed off the ice Friday after practicing the previous day but said it wasn't a step backward as he deals with a lower body injury according to the San Jose Mercury News.
Analysis: There was promise that Logan Couture would practice for a second day in a row, but he was there just to take the team photo and then left. He insisted that he was just resting the injury, but there is no word as to when he may return. He has missed the last two games so continue to treat him as day-to-day.
News:Logan Couture (lower body) was held out for a second consecutive game Thursday night against the Sabres.
Analysis: He was a game-time decision, and pretty close to game-time the Sharks opted to sit him again. They've scored one goal in the two combined games that he's missed.
News: Updating a previous report, Logan Couture is listed as a game-time decision for Thursday's game versus Buffalo, CSN's Kevin Kurz reports.
Analysis:Logan Couture had skated this morning with Ryane Clowe and Joe Thornton leading to believe he'd be in the lineup tonight, although he left much earlier than normal. Officially it is listed as a game-time decision for the Sharks leading goal scorer.
News:Logan Couture skated with Ryane Clowe and Joe Thornton during Thursday's gameday skate, CSN's Brodie Brazil reports.
Analysis: It looks as if though Logan Couture will be in the lineup Thursday after missing Tuesday's matchup with a lower body injury. This is great news for the Sharks as Couture has been having a great year leading the team in goals while being on pace for career highs in goals, points and assists.
News:Logan Couture (lower body) sat out Tuesday's win over the Flyers, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis:Logan Couture suffered the injury over the weekend. The Sharks were able to get by for one night without him, but they'd be lacking firepower with an extended absence.
News:Logan Couture (lower body) is a game-time decision for Tuesday's game against the Flyers, CSN Philadelphia's Tim Panaccio reports.
Analysis: It appears as if Logan Couture's owners will unfortunately need to follow his status up to game time, which is risky given that it's the last game for Tuesday.
News:Logan Couture suffered a lower body injury during the third period of Sunday's game versus Minnesota and did not return, CSN's Brodie Brazil reports.
Analysis:Logan Couture has been one of the Sharks' best players this year so any extended absence will be hard for the team to swallow. He should be considered day-to-day for the time being.
News:Logan Couture scored two of San Jose's three goals in Tuesday's loss to Columbus, giving him four goals in the last four games.
Analysis:Logan Couture may have been showing off for his new teammates if the rumors of his inclusion in a possible Rick Nash trade to Columbus are true. Couture is having a strong season, totaling 27 goals.
News:Logan Couture grabbed one of San Jose's goals in Sunday's loss to Detroit, giving him five points in the last four games.
Analysis:Logan Couture has been establishing himself much on the Sharks of late and has two goals in the last three contests. Being in the top-six forward mix for San Jose certainly has its benefits and Couture is only going to keep improving.
News:Logan Couture notched two assists in Monday's win over Washington, giving him 12 points over the last 10 games.
Analysis:Logan Couture had an eight-game points streak snapped Sunday night before hopping back on the scoresheet Monday along with the rest of his teammates. Couture is enjoying another strong season coming off his impressive rookie campaign and appears poised to crack 60 points in just his second full season.
News:Logan Couture scored twice in a 4-3 loss to Vancouver on Saturday. He leads the Sharks with 20 goals.
Analysis: One goal came on the power play while the other was a shorthanded snipe. He also had a remarkable five blocked shots. He's on pace to best his totals of last year and has a remarkably bright future. Make sure you take advantage.
News:Logan Couture scored in the third period to bring the Sharks within a goal in their game versus Minnesota on Tuesday night.
Analysis: It was Logan Couture's 17th goal of the season and puts him on top of the Sharks leaderboard for goals. He's been consistent all season and is currently on pace to have the best season of his young career.
News:Logan Couture had both a power-play goal and an even strength goal Wednesday night as the Sharks destroyed Tampa Bay, 7-2.
Analysis: It was a strong fantasy night for the third-year forward as he finished the evening with seven shots on net and a plus-2 rating. Logan Couture is now tied for third in points on the Sharks with 14 goals and 11 assists through 31 games.
News:Logan Couture scored twice in the Sharks' home loss to Florida on Saturday night. One of the tallies was on the power play.
Analysis: He started the season slowly, with one assist in his first four games, but has been nearly a point-per-game man ever since. If you own him, he should be active right now.
News:Logan Couture tickled the twine to complement an assist in Thursday night's 4-3 shootout win over the Canadiens.
Analysis:Logan Couture has been playing consistently well this season, though he hasn't exactly exploded, sans for a three-point effort against the Predators on November 5. In fact, including Thursday's output, Couture's had just two multi-point games in 2011-12.
News:Logan Couture did all he could Saturday, logging a goal and two assists, but it wasn't enough as the Sharks dropped an overtime heartbreaker to Nashville, 4-3.
Analysis: The three points bring him to 10 on the young season (12 games played). As long as he's playing on a line with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski, he's got plenty of fantasy value.
News:Logan Couture potted his fourth goal in five games with an assist in Monday's loss to the Rangers.
Analysis:Logan Couture has at least one point in the last six games and is finding his game as the Sharks are playing excellent hockey save for Monday's loss. Couture remains one of the rising young talents in the league and should challenge the 30-goal mark.
Sharks' Couture Nets First Career Short-Handed Goal
News:Logan Couture added a short-handed goal to San Jose's 3-1 win over Nashville on Tuesday.
Analysis: This was Logan Couture's first shortie of his career. When it comes to special teams, Couture averages 2:32 of ice time on the power play, compared to just 0:44 when the Sharks are short-handed. At any rate, he remains one of the most dangerous scoring weapons on a Sharks team that has an abundance of prolific scorers.
News:Logan Couture netted his first goal of the season in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Bruins.
Analysis:Logan Couture put up goose eggs in the first three games, but has followed up with an assist and goal, respectively, in the last two. Consider keeping him in fantasy lineups as it appears that he's settling into a groove.
News:Logan Couture posted a minus-1 and has had just one assist in three games with the Sharks.
Analysis:Logan Couture may be feeling the dreaded sophomore slump early in the season after an impressive rookie campaign that left him just short of the Calder Trophy. Now that teams have more video and experience defending Couture, he'll have to come up with some new ways to find the twine, but this shouldn't be a long-term problem for the skilled forward.
News:Logan Couture netted twice in the Sharks' 6-1 preseason win over the Ducks on Wednesday, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: After his 56-point campaign in 2010-11, Logan Couture came close to claiming the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie, narrowly getting edged out by Carolina's Jeff Skinner in the voting. Still, this season, Couture could ascend even higher in the fantasy ranks because the Sharks have moved on from big-name scorers in Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi, and it's safe to assume that Couture will pick up more shots as a result.
News:Logan Couture signed a two-year extension with the Sharks on Thursday, CSN Bay Area reports.
Analysis: Dollar figures have not been finalized yet, as the two sides are still hammering out final details, but Logan Couture, who is under contract for the coming year at $1,241,667, agreed to a two-year stretch that will cover him through the possible lockout year in 2012-13 and the year beyond that.
News: Couture did not win the Calder Memorial Trophy on Wednesday, as the award for the NHL's best rookie was presented to Jeff Skinner of the Hurricanes, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: It was a close race as Couture, who went plus-18 while notching 56 points (32 G, 24 A) in 2010-11, reportedly received 908 votes from NHL writers compared to 1,055 for Skinner. Both players are expected to be highly coveted in fantasy circles next season, so draft accordingly.
News: Couture said he broke his nose in Game 3 against the Canucks in the conference finals, the Sharks' official site reports.
Analysis: "I got hurt in Game 3, broke my nose and I was a little dazed, but that's hockey," said Couture. "It's a tough sport. Guys take hits all the time. There's no way I wanted to sit out. I'll play through it." And playing through it is exactly what Couture did, showing the hockey world that he is not just a talented scorer, but a tough skater as well.
News: Despite leaving during the third period of Game 3 against Vancouver on Friday, Couture will play in Game 4, TSN.ca reports.
Analysis: With 13 points in the postseason, Couture is fairly indispensable for San Jose at the moment.
News: Couture scored the game's first goal Wednesday night, but San Jose still lost 7-3 to Vancouver.
Analysis: It was his seventh goal of the postseason and came on the power play early in the first frame. Couture now has five goals in his past six games.
News: Couture provided the only goal for the Sharks in Tuesday's 3-1, Game 6 loss to the Red Wings.
Analysis: Couture has goals in each of the past three games, and five total scores in the postseason.
News: Couture netted his third goal of the playoffs Sunday against the Red Wings, but the Sharks lost Game 5 by a score of 4-3.
Analysis: Couture was able to score for the second consecutive game, though he did go minus-1 this time around. Still, as a finalist for the Calder Trophy, he remains a top weapon for the high-flying Sharks.
News: Couture registered a goal and an assist in Friday's Game 4 loss to Detroit.
Analysis: This was the prized rookie's first score (but fourth point) in the semifinal series against the Wings. It's safe to assume that he will not be overlooked in fantasy drafts next season.
News: Couture set up two scores in Thursday's 6-3 (Game 4) win over the Kings.
Analysis: Couture continues to show why he is a finalist for the Calder Trophy. He's off to a fast start to the playoffs with two goals and three assists.
News: Couture had a goal and an assist in Tuesday's 6-5 overtime win over the Kings.
Analysis: The youngster just keeps getting better. Couture is a finalist for the Calder Trophy and should go fairly early in all fantasy drafts next season.
News: Couture is one of three forwards named as a finalist for the Calder Trophy, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: Michael Grabner of the Islanders and Jeff Skinner of the Hurricanes are also finalists, but Couture is the only one in the midst of postseason play. "I'm sure once the season is over, I'll reflect on it," Couture said, "but right now I'm only focused on playoffs." Couture and company face the Kings for Game 3 on Tuesday evening.
Sharks' Couture Bring Scoring Touch Into Postseason
News: Couture went plus-2 with a goal in Thursday's 3-2 overtime win for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Analysis: As someone who scored in more than 40 percent of his games in the regular season, Couture makes for a fine option in the fantasy playoffs.
News: On a night on which he was honored as the Sharks' top rookie, Couture capped the scoring with a late power-play goal as San Jose beat Phoenix on Saturday, 3-1
Analysis: His 32-24-56 mark is a terrific starting point for a career. He's surrounded by plenty of veteran stars, so we expect his career to blossom in coming years.
News: Couture dialed in a power-play goal in the Sharks' 6-0 win over the Stars on Thursday evening.
Analysis: Couture has four goals in the past five games and 31 on the season. Also not to be overlooked is his sterling plus/minus rating which stands at plus-19, ranking 30th best in the NHL.
News: Twenty-two of Couture's 30 goals this season have come away from the HP Pavillion in San Jose, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: "I don't understand that at all. I love playing at home," Couture said. "It's just the way it goes, I guess. We could look next year and I might have the majority of my goals here. No one really knows. I don't know." Either way, it counts the same in fantasy hockey, so just sit back and enjoy the show.
News: Couture scored twice and added an assist Saturday against Phoenix to reach the 30-goal mark in his first full NHL season.
Analysis: Quite an accomplishment for the center, and it comes two days before his 22nd birthday. Couture is one of the finest young players in the game right now.
News: Couture scored in his return from a lower-body injury Wednesday night against the Flames. The rookie took 25 shifts, equating to 17:21 of ice time in the Sharks' 6-3 win.
Analysis: It's safe to get Couture back into fantasy lineups if you haven't done so already. He is on pace to wrap up the regular season with 31 goals, which is sure to be considered as he makes his stretch run at the Calder Trophy.
News: Couture (lower body) will play against Calgary on Wednesday, CSN Bay Area's Brodie Brazil reports.
Analysis: It sounds like Couture should be close to normal for Wednesday's game, so his owners will probably want him active.
News: Couture (lower-body injury) skated with the Sharks on Tuesday, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: Consider Couture day-to-day as Wednesday's game against Calgary approaches, but the report notes that he looked "perfectly normal out there" Tuesday, which bodes well for his chances of playing.
News: Couture, who is dealing with a lower-body injury, didn't skate with his teammates Monday, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: More on his status leading up to Wednesday night's game against Calgary, but for now consider Couture day-to-day.
News: Couture, who is dealing with a lower-body injury, announced on Twitter Sunday that he is "feeling much better."
Analysis: As encouraging as that may sound, we recommend that you check back later as we wait for the release of official team reports concerning Couture's injury.
News: Couture needed to be helped off the ice after crashing into the boards Saturday night against the Blues, and Sharks assistant coach Trent Yawney added that "Logan's situation is lower body and day-to-day," the Sharks' official site reports.
Analysis: There is no word as to how much time, if any, Couture will miss with this injury. However, for what it's worth, the Sharks do not play again until Wednesday when the team hosts the Flames.
News: Couture left Saturday's game in the second period with a possible knee injury after going awkwardly into the boards.
Analysis: He looked as though he almost did the splits -- his right foot slammed into the boards and his left leg twisted strangely behind him. He had to be helped off the ice and could not put any weight on his right leg. He did not return.
News: Couture netted his 27th goal of the season in the Sharks' Thursday night home win opposite the Minnesota Wild.
Analysis: Couture appears to have picked up his hot rookie year pace again, and should continue to receive plenty of opportunities in an effort to eclipse the 30-goal mark.
News: Couture dialed in his 26th goal of the season in Monday's 6-3 loss to the Blackhawks.
Analysis: With 12 games left on the Sharks' regular-season schedule, Couture has an outside shot at 30 goals on the season. The rookie is playing well beyond his years and deserves consideration in most fantasy formats.
News: Couture has scored just one time in the last month. However, his 25 goals this season is still second-best on the Sharks, only behind Patrick Marleau.
Analysis: Couture went on a scoring binge between mid-January and early February, having tallied five goals in about a two-week span. But even though he has cooled off in the goal-scoring department, the rookie has effectively moved his assist total to 21 helpers and counting, while boasting a spectacular plus-14 rating. Use him freely in deep fantasy leagues despite the recent dip in scoring.
News: Couture set off the goal siren on the power play in Wednesday's win over the Penguins, effectively tying Pat Falloon for the franchise record of 25 goals scored as a rookie, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: It didn't end there, as the 21-year-old Couture also assisted Patrick Marleau's game-winning score in the overtime frame. Congratulations if you had the foresight to draft Couture in fantasy leagues ahead of this 2010-11 season.
News: Couture came up with two assists in Tuesday's 4-3 win over Detroit.
Analysis: Couture has gone seven consecutive games without scoring a goal, though he does have six helpers over that span. It's no secret that the rookie is playing beyond his years, as he has quickly evolved into a top weapon for the men in teal.
News: Couture strung his 24th goal of the season Tuesday in a 2-0 win over Washington.
Analysis: The 21-year-old Couture is the leading goal-scorer for the Sharks, which is particularly impressive because the Sharks also have star players like Dany Heatley, Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton on board. Amazingly, Couture has potted a goal in five of the past six games dating back to January 17.
News: Couture (flu) returned to action Saturday and potted the game-winning tally in Saturday's 2-0 victory in Boston.
Analysis: The goal was scored on the power play as well, so it was a valuable marker for the Sharks' leading scorer. Couture now has 23 goals on the season and you should continue to start him with confidence in all formats.
News: Couture (illness) is expected to return to the lineup Saturday afternoon against the Bruins, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: Couture missed the past two games with the flu though he reportedly accompanied the team for a flight to Boston and coach Todd McLellan said "we're counting on having him back." Get ready to re-activate the star rookie in daily leagues as it appears that he will play Saturday.
News: Couture (flu) will miss Wednesday's game against Anaheim, CSN's Brodie Brazil reports.
Analysis: Couture reportedly will join his teammates when the team heads to the East Coast for an extensive road trip, beginning with Saturday's game against the Bruins.
News: Couture (flu) missed Tuesday's game against Phoenix.
Analysis: The youngster is day-to-day. The Sharks are back in action Wednesday night against Anaheim, so we imagine he's questionable for that game as well.
News: On Thursday, Couture provided the lone regulation goal for the Sharks in a 2-1 SO win over the Canucks.
Analysis: The clutch rookie is now up to 21 goals on the season, including a league-best six game-winning scores. You know what to do.
News: Couture registered a goal and an assist in Monday's win over Phoenix.
Analysis: The rookie's cooled a bit lately with just two goals in the last 12 games, but his stellar play this season isn't to be ignored. His value is higher in keeper leagues, but remember his numbers are a bit goal-heavy, with 20 tallies to 10 assists.
News: Couture, returning from a minor knee injury, skated 20:46 in Saturday's win over St. Louis.
Analysis: He chipped in with an assist on Joe Thornton's power-play goal, Couture's 29th point of the season, and should be good to use in next week's lineups, where the Sharks have three games.
News: Couture (knee) expects to play Saturday against the Blues, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: Coach Todd McLellan expects to see him play as well, which would limit Couture's missed time to one game following a knee-on-knee collision with Toronto's Colton Orr on Tuesday.
News: Couture (knee) skated in Friday's practice session but is still listed as day-to-day with his return date yet to be determined, the Sharks' official site reports.
Analysis: "It felt better than I thought it would," Couture said. "Being off the ice a couple of days, you feel it. There is something about this game, when you are off the ice for a day or two, you feel like you haven't been on it for a year. It was good to get out there and get the hands back and shoot the puck." For those that missed it, Couture banged knees with Toronto's Colton Orr this past Tuesday, causing him to miss Thursday's contest against the Oilers. If the prized prospect cannot go Saturday night against the Blues, his next chance for a return would be Monday, Jan. 17, a road contest against the Coyotes.
News: Couture (knee) won't play Thursday against the Oilers, CSN Bay Area's Brodie Brazil reports.
Analysis: The report calls Couture's status day-to-day, suggesting that his return isn't too far off.
News: Couture (knee) is doubtful for Thursday's home game against the Oilers, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: There is no concrete timetable for Couture's return, so fantasy owners of the productive rookie are left with no choice but to keep him reserved and hope for a quick recovery.
Sharks' Couture Being Treated Following Undisclosed Injury
News: Couture reportedly left Tuesday's game against the Maple Leafs with a leg brace and is receiving treatments for an "unspecified injury," the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: According to a related report by the Mercury News, Couture took a knee from Toronto's Colton Orr on his right leg, causing the Sharks' rookie to leave the game. Details are still murky regarding the extent of the injury, but of course, losing Couture for even one game would be troublesome for the Sharks, losers of five straight games.
News: Couture was forced from Tuesday's game with a right knee injury.
Analysis: He was carrying the puck up the right wing and saw the Leafs' Colton Orr at the last second. Couture tried to cut left hard to avoid the hit but didn't cut hard enough, leaving his knee wide; he collided knee-on-knee with Orr. He was able to get himself up off the ice but immediately left the ice and headed -- under assistance -- to the Sharks' room. This may not be good.
News: Couture was named the NHL Rookie of the Month for his fine play in December, the Sharks' official site reports.
Analysis: Couture reportedly turned up 14 points (10 G, 4 A) in the final month of 2010, which is sure to give him an extra push toward the coveted Calder Trophy. As the current leader in goals scored for the Sharks with 18, this kid should not be left on the waiver wire in fantasy leagues. But, if by any lucky fortune he is still available, scoop him up immediately.
News: Couture scored for the third straight game Tuesday night against Edmonton.
Analysis: The goal was Couture's 18th on the season. He has just seven assists but he still is likely the odds-on favorite for rookie of the year at this point in the season.
News: Couture found the back of the net twice in San Jose's 4-1 win over the Blues in St. Louis on Saturday.
Analysis: Couture has one of the most unusual home-road splits in the league. At home, he's 3-4-7, with a minus-1 rating in 15 contests. But when he sleeps in hotels, he's 14-3-17, plus-9 (18 games). If you're the kind of owner who plays hunches on things like this, you'll want to sit him for San Jose's next contest, Tuesday in the Shark Tank against Edmonton.
News: Couture scored his 15th goal of the year Thursday in Dallas to give the Sharks the overtime win.
Analysis: Couture's wrist shot on the power play just 1:20 into overtime eluded Kari Lehtonen and broke a three-game scoreless streak for the young centerman.
News: Couture took advantage of the power play and netted his 14th goal of the season in a 6-3 loss to the Sabres on Thursday.
Analysis: This kid is like a sports car with no brakes; looks great and cannot be stopped. As soon as the calendar turned to December, Couture has scored in four of the past five games including a pair of two-goal efforts. The rookie is on pace for a 60-point season, showing the hockey world why he's such a highly touted prospect.
Sharks' Couture Nets Another Goal in Win Wednesday
News: Couture scored his 13th goal of the year in a 5-4 shootout victory over the Flyers on Wednesday.
Analysis: It was Couture's fifth goal in four games. He now sits second in rookie scoring with 19 points, only one behind Carolina's Jeff Skinner.
News: Couture scored twice in Monday's win over Detroit.
Analysis: For a rookie, Couture has been remarkably consistent all season long. He's up to 12 goals on the season and at this rate, it would be a shock if he didn't finish with at least 25.
News: Couture scored a pair of third-period goals to help the Sharks blank the Senators on Thursday, 4-0.
Analysis: Couture now has 10 goals this season, making him well worth an investment in keeper and deep fantasy leagues.
News: Couture scored his second goal in as many games Thursday, but it wasn't enough for his team as the Stars defeated the Sharks in overtime, 5-4.
Analysis: The Sharks are struggling to maintain any sort of positive momentum in the early going, but Couture now has eight goals on the season, showing why he is one of the most promising young talents in the league. Plus, he's riding an impressive four-game point streak. The prime time to buy low on him in fantasy pools appears to have expired.
News: Couture notched a goal and two helpers to pace the Sharks to a 4-3 home win over Calgary on Saturday. He finished plus-3, and even tossed in a couple of penalty minutes.
Analysis: He's still developing, so don't expect a monster year yet. But don't rule it out for the long term, either; if your league allows long-term keepers and you got him cheaply, you have what looks like a solid investment.
News: Skating on the first line Saturday, Couture scored his fifth goal and first assist of the season, helping the Sharks down the Lightning by a score of 5-2.
Analysis: Couture developed an instant rapport with Dany Heatley on the top line. He may not last too long in that spot, however, since a main reason he was even promoted was to fill in for a suspended Joe Thornton, who will only miss one more game. Still, we're seeing glimpses of the bright future that is in store for Couture.
Sharks' Promote Couture to First Line With Joe Thornton Suspended
News: Couture has slid onto the first line with Joe Thornton serving a two-game suspension, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: Since he will center stud skaters in Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley, Couture gets an immediate value boost, beginning Saturday against Tampa Bay. Couture will have to work hard for any points, however, as Team Teal has not scored in their last two contests. At any rate, the door is wide open for Couture to have the breakout game that his fantasy owners have been waiting for.
News: Couture's four goals represent his only points in 10 games this season.
Analysis: Couture has yet to break out like many hockey pundits expect he will before the regular season expires. Still, he is a tremendous talent capable of catching fire on short notice. In order for Couture to better his chances to start adding assists, however, he must work his way up toward the top two scoring lines as Team Teal generates tons of offense on those higher lines manned by the likes of Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, and Patrick Marleau, just to name a few.
Sharks' Couture Takes Advantage Of Empty Goal Thursday
News: Couture put away the Avalanche on Thursday with an empty-net goal.
Analysis: It was an easy score, but Couture's fantasy owners will gladly take it after the top prospect went pointless in his previous three games.
News: Couture put Columbus away with a game-winning goal on the man advantage Friday. The Sharks won by a score of 3-2.
Analysis: Last season, Couture was a human boomerang between the Sharks and their AHL affiliate, Worcester. However, the Sharks feel that the speedy prospect is ready to assume a full-time role in San Jose. Consider tracking Couture's progress carefully as he could evolve into a must-start fantasy option sooner than later.
News: Sharks head coach Todd McLellan expects Couture to become a regular in the lineup this season, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: "We're counting on him to become a full-time player," McLellan said. "We don't want him to be a transient player like he was last year. You can see that in his mind he belongs here. There's a confidence. We've lost some people we need to replace, and he's one of those players we need to step up." Couture is the creme de la creme when it comes to NHL prospects. Only once in his four-year junior career did he average less than a point per game, nor did he have any problems in AHL Worcester last season when he put up 20 goals and 33 points in just 42 contests. All Couture needs is consistent playing time, and it looks like he'll get just that in the NHL this season.
Sharks' Couture: On First Line In Monday's Practice
News: Couture appeared on the top line with Joe Thornton and Ryane Clowe in practice Monday, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: Sharks head coach Todd McLellan likes to experiment with different line combinations, and there's no better time to do that than in practice and exhibition. Keep your sights locked on Couture, who is largely viewed as a breakout candidate in fantasy circles this season.
News: Couture (neck) skated Friday and is expected to rejoin the lineup Saturday night against the Coyotes, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: The speedy Couture is a favorite to slide into a third-line spot recently vacated by Manny Malhotra, who is now with the Vancouver Canucks. He is extremely talented and could break out as early as this season, provided he stays healthy.
Sharks' Couture (Neck): Unavailable For Friday's Game Against Anaheim
News: Couture (neck) will not play in Friday's exhibition match against the Ducks, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: According to the Mercury News, Couture has not skated since suffering an apparent neck injury after a check by Tommy Wingels in Tuesday's scrimmage. However, Sharks head coach Todd McLellan is expecting the top prospect to lace up his skates for Saturday's match against the Coyotes.
News: The Sharks have recalled C Logan Couture from the AHL.
Analysis: Couture is a quality prospect and long-term Fantasy keeper option, but he won't see enough minutes on this trip to be worth worrying about in seasonal formats.
News: The Sharks have recalled C Logan Couture and D Jason Demers from the AHL.
Analysis: Couture is one of the Sharks' top prospects, but they definitely are taking a slow approach with his development. Consider Couture more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until he's up permanently with San Jose. Demers had his moments up with the Sharks earlier this season and is still owned in 21 percent of leagues, so he clearly has some value in deeper formats.
News: Sharks C Logan Couture has been sent to Worcester of the AHL.
Analysis: Couture was recalled last week, but when he came down with the flu, San Jose had to send him back to the minors so they could get a fresh body in the lineup. Couture is bouncing between the NHL and AHL this season. He is one of the Sharks' top prospects, but they definitely are taking a slow approach with his development. Consider Couture more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Sharks rookie forward Logan Couture had flu-like symtoms (H1N1 has been ruled out) following Friday night's game against Philadelphia and did not travel to Anaheim for Saturday's game. C Ryan Vesce was called up from Worcester of the AHL and suited up against the Ducks.
Analysis: Couture is bouncing between the NHL and AHL this season. He is one of the Sharks' top prospects, but they definitely are taking a slow approach with his development. Consider Couture more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: The Sharks have recalled forwards Benn C Ferriero, LW Jamie McGinn and C Logan Couture from the AHL.
Analysis: All three of these guys have been up already this season for San Jose. None of them are particularly quality prospects, so continue to ignore them in the majority of Fantasy leagues.
News: The Sharks recalled Benn Ferriero, Frazer McLaren and Logan Couture from their AHL affiliate Tuesday, and all three played against Nashville.
Analysis: Couture has low-end Fantasy appeal. He could be back in the AHL shortly and only has two points in 10 games this season.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Sharks C Logan Couture was recalled to replace Ryan Vesce, who was returned to Worcester of the AHL. "I like what Vess did since his call-up, which has been a month," coach Todd McLellan said. "He played extremely well when he was healthy and now coming back, he needs to play more than six or seven minutes to get his game again. And as a coach I wasn't able to get him that in the first two games, so we're going to send him to Worcester, get his legs again, get a little bit of timing down and the quality minutes that he needs. Then we'll have no problem bringing him back."
Analysis: Couture has been up for a few times with the Sharks. He has two points in eight games. He is having a good first full season in the minors and could be on the brink of a full-time NHL role. But since San Jose still needs to develop the 2007 first-round pick, he is likely to bounce between the NHL and AHL all season. Couture remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News:Logan Couture scored his first NHL goal for San Jose during a 2-1 shootout loss to the Red Wings on Thursday. Couture opened the scoring with 5:19 left in the second period when he beat Chris Osgood with a wrist shot from the right circle. He has two points in six games this season.
Analysis: Couture was just recalled from the minors after getting sent down because San Jose thought they were getting back some injured forwards. Couture is likely back to the AHL shortly, so view him more as a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: The Sharks have assigned LW Jamie McGinn and C Logan Couture to the AHL.
Analysis: Couture, a 2007 first-round pick (9th), is in his first full pro season after finishing up his junior career in 2008-09. He remains a solid long-term Fantasy keeper and top prospect. McGinn is just organizational depth and has no Fantasy value.
News: The Sharks recalled center Logan Couture from Worcester of the AHL on Sunday due to injuries to Devin Setoguchi and Ryan Vesce. Couture centered the fourth line between Jody Shelley and Brad Staubitz. He had no points in 7:01 of ice time and logged two penalty minutes in his NHL debut.
Analysis: Couture, a 2007 first-round pick (9th), is in his first full pro season after finishing up his junior career in 2008-09. He is off to a fast start in the minors with four goals and 10 points in seven games. Couture is likely headed back to the minors as soon as the Sharks need a roster spot. However, he is a player to watch in Fantasy since he is off to such a good start in the minors and is a top prospect.
News: The Sharks have assigned center Logan Couture to Worcester of the AHL. He had one assist and a minus-1 rating in three preseason games.
Analysis: The Sharks were hoping at the beginning of training camp that Couture would be ready to play in the NHL from Day 1. However, that all changed when they signed Manny Malhotra. Now, Couture gets time to develop in the minors. The 2007 first-round pick (ninth overall) is high up on the prospect rankings and could make his debut in 2009-10. However, he remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Sharks center prospect Logan Couture scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 for Ottawa (OHL) during Friday's 6-3 win over Oshawa. Couture has posted six goals and seven assists in 11 January games.
Analysis: Couture has 18 goals, 30 assists and a plus-8 rating in 41 games for Ottawa this season. San Jose thought about putting him on the NHL roster to begin the season, but realized they didn't need him for possibly another year. Couture appears to have a bright future ahead, but remains just a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Sharks C prospect Logan Couture has managed three goals and three assists in five Decmeber games for Ottawa of the OHL (juniors). He has totaled 11 goals and 21 assists in 28 games.
Analysis: Couture was given a serious look by first-year coach Todd McLellan during training camp, but he and Sharks management felt it was best for Couture to get another year of junior hockey. We probably won't see Couture debut until 2009-10, so he remains just a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Sharks prospect Logan Couture has been averaging a point-per-game with Ottawa of the OHL (juniors). The 2007 first-round pick has four goals and 14 assists in 18 games.
Analysis: Couture was given a serious look by first-year coach Todd McLellan during training camp, but he and Sharks management felt it was best for Couture to get another year of junior hockey. We probably won't see Couture debut until 2009-10, so he remains just a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: The Sharks have sent D Derek Joslin to Worcester (AHL) and C Logan Couture to Ottawa (OHL).
Analysis: Neither of these players have any Fantasy value.
News: The Sharks decided at the beginning of the season to have Logan Couture, the ninth overall pick in the 2007 draft, spend another season playing junior hockey. The move has paid off. Couture is terrorizing the Ontario Hockey League with 17 goals and 26 assists in 32 games.
Analysis: The Sharks have a nice mix of veteran and rookies this season that they can afford to let Couture continue to develop on a smaller scale. He won't play this season for the Sharks and remains just a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Logan Couture will spend at least another year in junior hockey before getting his chance with the San Jose Sharks. San Jose reassigned Couture, the ninth overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, to the OHL's Ottawa 67's on Tuesday. The high-scoring center had a brief stint in training camp with the Sharks, who traded up twice in June to draft him.
Analysis: The Sharks haven't been afraid to give a big-league chance to young players in recent seasons. Milan Michalek, Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Joe Pavelski all earned roster spots earlier than expected, with the 19-year-old Vlasic claiming a spot during last fall's training camp instead of returning to juniors. Couture is only worth a look in long-term keeper Fantasy formats at this point.
