The Philadelphia Flyers consider themselves "lucky" that they're not further out of a playoff spot. Philadelphia is just 3-7-0, even after winning two straight games, but they're only five points out of a playoff spot at this early stage of the season. That's because the Metropolitan Division has been surprisingly underwhelming. In their division, only the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders have picked up at least a point per game so far this season.

Sean Couturier is stronger and faster in this year's training camp. Couturier had a rough campaign in 2013, but he's in a good position to bounce back this season. Unfortunately, him having a strong season might not be the same thing as him putting up fantasy-noteworthy numbers - at least not in the short-term. Couturier is projected to start the season as Philadelphia's third-line center and he'll have a very tough time cracking the top-six in 2013-14.

Sean Couturier will likely enter the 2013-14 campaign as Philadelphia's third-line center because of Vincent Lecavalier's arrival. He got more ice time last season, but he regressed offensively in his sophomore year. Couturier registered 15 points and a minus-8 rating in 2013 in 46 games. Perhaps, a slightly reduced role with the Flyers will help him rediscover his game and allow him to venture up the team's depth chart in the future.

The Philadelphia Flyers agreed to a two-year, $3.5 million extension with forward Sean Couturier. This deal locks him up through the 2015-16 campaign. He had a weak offensive year with 15 points in 46 games, although his greatest strength might come in his defensive play. He's clearly a big part of Philly's future, although you never know when that might change.

Sean Couturier's name has come up in several rumors, but Flyers GM Paul Holmgren views the 20-year-old center as a nonstarter in trade talks. Holmgren classified Couturier and Brayden Schenn as untouchables, which may hinder trade discussions with other teams. Couturier had a horrible sophomore season, where he generated just four goals, 15 points and a minus-8 rating in 46 games.

Sean Couturier regressed in his sophomore season despite getting more ice time. He registered four goals, 15 points and a had a minus-8 rating in 46 games after he recorded 13 markers, 27 points and a plus-18 rating in 77 matches during his rookie campaign. Couturier averaged almost two minutes of extra ice time in 2013, while playing mostly on the third line, but his numbers took a step backward. He still has the potential to be a solid two-way forward though.

Sean Couturier finally ended his 27-game goalless drought in Wednesday's win over Montreal. He has scored just three times this season and hadn't found the back of the net since Jan. 27. Couturier has picked up a point in three straight games now after going scoreless in his previous 15 contests. He might be turning it around but he's still not a safe option to add to your fantasy squad right now.

Sean Couturier registered his first point in 16 games Saturday against the Bruins. With only two goals and eight points in 32 games, Couturier has taken a step back in his second NHL season. Couturier is as a solid two-way player, but we can't recommend him in fantasy for now, even in leagues that reward shorthanded points.

Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn and Matt Read have all taken steps back in their second NHL seasons. There's a reason why players' numbers usually dip in their second seasons before rising back up in their third year in the league. The "sophomore slumps" is very much a real thing, according to veteran teammate Kimmo Timonen. "I'll tell you this," Timonen said Thursday night. "The second year was the toughest year of my NHL life. And we have a lot of second-year players." Although time is running out on their chances to turn it around, we're still very high on them as individuals in the future.

Sean Couturier has gone 19 straight games without a goal. "I try not to think too much about my production," Couturier said. "I'm trying to do little details. Things have not gone my way. Trying to work hard and things will turn around soon." He'll be paired up with Danny Briere and Simon Gagne Wednesday night and maybe that combination will help him break out of his slump. At the same time, we can't recommend him in standard leagues for now.