Sorry, but that's crap. There is no reason why a few years from now Couturier couldn't move up to 2C if his offensive game has developed enough. He will have good wingers to play with on the third line now. Vinny could move to wing or play some 3C or even be traded back to Tampa.
1st off what has he done to show that he is capable of scoring at a 2c clip?
IN a few years from now couturier's perceived value around the league will diminish. Coutier is not playing behind malkin and crosby and relegated to 3rd line duties because of that.
So far couturier has yet to display his offense. That is understandable, horrible linemates ,and a defensive role. But what if his linemates and roll doesn't change for 2 more years. The longer we wait , the less potential he has, the less potential he has the more of a finished product he is. The more of a finished product he is the more he will be labled a 3rd line shutdown guy ala Sutter, ala Hanzal.
Right now, he is perceived as a young potential number 2c with great 2 way play. Once that perception is gone his value will plummet.
If couturier never plays the 2c role, then he will never assume that role. The Vinny deal is a win now deal , but in the process it stunts couturiers growth and hurts his value.
