Couture picked up an assist in Saturday's 5-3 win over Anaheim.

EDGE Analysis

After missing the first 45 games of the season with a lower-body injury, Couture picked up an assist on Marc-Edouard Vlasic's second-period tally in his return to the lineup Saturday. The 34-year-old center had 27 goals and 40 assists with San Jose last year. Couture's reintroduction to the Sharks' top six should give a boost to an offense that's struggled for much of the season.

Couture (lower body) will be activated off injured reserve and make his season debut Saturday against the Ducks, coach David Quinn told Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Couture scored 27 goals and 67 points in 82 contests last season. While rust might be a factor after missing the first 45 games of the 2023-24 campaign, Couture isn't projected to be eased into the lineup. Instead, he's likely to play on the first line alongside Alexander Barabanov and Fabian Zetterlund based on Friday's practice, per Max Miller of The Hockey News. Couture is also expected to serve on the top power-play unit. His return might result in Kevin Labanc being a healthy scratch against Anaheim.

Couture (lower body) is hopeful he'll be ready to make his season debut Saturday against Anaheim, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Couture has yet to play this season due to a lower-body issue, but it appears he may finally return to game action versus the Ducks. If he's able to play, look for Couture, who racked up 27 goals and 67 points through 82 contests last season, to step into a top-six role and a spot on one of San Jose's power-play units against Anaheim.

Couture (lower body) was ruled out for the remainder of San Jose's road trip Monday, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

As a result, Couture won't play Monday against Buffalo or Tuesday versus Chicago. He isn't quite ready to make his season debut yet, but he appears to be getting close. Couture racked up 27 goals and 67 points over 82 games during the 2022-23 campaign.

Couture (lower body) may be available during the Sharks' upcoming road trip, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Couture has missed the whole season to date. The 34-year-old's arduous recovery process has left an already thin Sharks team struggling. The five-game road trip begins Tuesday in Toronto.

Couture (lower body) will miss Sunday's game against the Avalanche, according to Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now.

EDGE Analysis

Couture hasn't played yet in 2023-24, but coach David Quinn told Max Miller of The Hockey News on Thursday that there's "a level of optimism that we haven't had before," so it does sound like the 34-year-old pivot is making progress in his recovery. Couture is likely to serve in a top-six capacity and feature on the first power-play unit once he's recovered from his injury.

Couture (lower body) will remain unavailable against the Oilers on Thursday. Coach David Quinn told reporters, "This light at the end of the tunnel. There's a level of optimism that we haven't had before," Max Miller of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Couture has already been out of action for 35 games to start the season but could be back sooner rather than later. While the Sharks could ease the veteran back into the lineup to an extent, he likely will slot into a top-six role in addition to joining the No. 1 power-play unit upon his return. As such, Couture should have plenty of value in fantasy leagues down the stretch

Couture (lower body) stayed back in San Jose and will miss the team's two-game road trip, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Couture will have to wait a little longer before getting the all-clear to make his 2023-24 season debut. The veteran center has been skating with the team and could be an option sooner rather than later once cleared for full contact. With Nico Sturm (abdomen) and Ryan Carpenter (undisclosed) also sidelined, the Sharks' find themselves stretched down the middle.

Couture (lower body) skated for the second straight day Wednesday, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Couture remains without a clear recovery timeline but is at least making some strides. Whenever the veteran center is given the green light, he should immediately retake a spot in the top six as well as link up with the No. 1 power-play unit. With Couture yet to get onto the ice, he undoubtedly won't be putting up 67 points again this season but he might still be able to reach the 40-point threshold.

Couture (lower body) hasn't resumed skating yet, coach David Quinn told Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Couture hasn't been on the ice since suffering a setback in late October. There's no timetable for his return, but based on Quinn's latest update, it sounds like the 34-year-old forward is still a ways away from being ready. Couture had 27 goals and 67 points in 82 outings last year.