Sharks Rumors: San Jose GM Makes Strong Statement On Logan Couture Trade Rumors

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

San Jose Sharks General Manager Mike Grier has decisively shut down any trade rumors surrounding team captain Logan Couture. 

Speaking at the end of new coach Ryan Warsofsky’s introductory press conference, Grier addressed the swirling speculation about Couture’s future. “That is absolutely false,” Grier stated firmly, highlighting Couture’s importance to the team, especially with the influx of young players. 

He emphasized that Couture embodies the type of veteran presence necessary for developing a young roster, saying, “He’s our captain, he’s our leader... He’s still a heck of a hockey player, so you guys can put any of those thoughts about me looking to trade our captain to bed.”

Couture, who has three years remaining on his eight-year, $64 million contract with an annual cap hit of $8 million, has been battling osteitis pubis, a painful condition that limited him to just six games last season. 

Despite these challenges, Grier highlighted Couture’s significance not only for his on-ice contributions but also for his character and leadership. 

Grier stated that Couture is exactly the type of person the team needs to mentor the new talents, including recently signed forward Will Smith and the anticipated No. 1 overall draft pick, Macklin Celebrini.

While the logistics of Couture’s contract and recent injury issues make a trade highly unlikely, Grier made it clear that the Sharks are committed to keeping him as a cornerstone of their franchise. Couture himself expressed a strong desire to return to the ice, planning to start skating in July with hopes of fully participating in training camp by September. 

With 701 points in 933 career games, Couture’s leadership and experience are seen as invaluable to the Sharks as they navigate their rebuild and integrate younger players into the team.

Photo Credit:  Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports



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