RNH is a better playmaker than Couturier and thats pretty much it. People here have seen Couturier plays 7 games in the WJC, playing on a 3rd or 4th line between 7 and 11 minutes per game and think they can make a good analysis of his game. Thats HF for ya.
That's the thing - I'm not sure RNH IS a better playmaker than Couturier. Right now Couturier is leading the entire Q in assists per game - and that's a league with a lot of good playmakers (and scoring in the Q is not like it used to be - much better D now). This in a year people are saying he has his hit a plateau? If this is an off year, his production level is something guys like RNH wish they were at. His goal scoring ability is also great and his skating will not be an issue at the next level.
I like RNH a lot and would be over the moon if the Sens landed him in the top 5. He is going to be a good player, and might turn out to be great. But if the Sens pass on Couturier for RNH, I would be sorely disappointed. Upside might be in the same ball park if RNH develops completely, but Couturier is a sure-fire top line player. Whether it is Eric Staal or Lecavalier or Getzlaf or something just a bit less, I don't know, but he will be worst case a 70 point scorer in the NHL, with the potential for 90-100. RNH has a lot more risk to him.
Couturier put up a comparable WJC performance to other elite draft eligibles in past. People forget guys like Crosby, Spezza and Thornton didn't light up the WJC in their draft years, and guys like Eric Staal didn't even make the team.
And RNH shouldn't be in a rush to get to 190 pound or whatever. Let nature takes it's course. I'm sure he'll be 190-200 within 3-4 years, and that's all that matters. If a few of his draft peers crack the NHL a year earlier than him, no big deal. Sam Gagner and Josh Bailey cracked the NHL right away, where as guys like Eberle and Schenn didn't. All are good young players, but who would you rather have?