Logan Couture's Sharks Future Can't Be Decided Until He Knows He Can Play Again

San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture played just six games this season, and when asked if he wanted to play for a team closer to winning a championship like some of his former teammates, he had to be honest.

"There are so many layers that. First of all, I've got to get healthy; I have to play. I said this when I talked to you guys when [Hertl] got traded, no one's gonna want a guy that's injured, making my salary," Couture said. "Obviously, I've got a history of being a productive player in this league, but I'm gonna have to come back and show it for teams to have interest in me, and that's just the way it is."

Couture just completed year five of his eight-year contract, with a cap hit of $8 million annually. The Captain also has a modified no-trade clause attached to his deal, so if he does want to get traded, he will have some control. His trade clause is a three-team trade list.

But the centerman didn't want to go much further into talking about him getting moved. He said he likes what is being built in San Jose.

"I also love San Jose. I believe in what they're doing here. Obviously, [it was] a terrible, terrible season, but I think this is rock bottom," Couture explained. "I think they're growing this organization the proper way, even though you may not see it right now with how tough this season was."

San Jose finished last in the NHL but has the best odds at the No. 1 pick.

Related: BREAKING: NHL Draft Lottery Set For May 7th

Couture has been honest in his assessment of his injury and his career status. At the same time, he didn't rule out a trade or staying with the Sharks. He recognizes what other former teammates have done and has said that he wants to win, but getting healthy remains the captain's priority.

"We'll see. I just turned 35, so the clock for me playing in this league is probably on the back nine. But yeah, I want to win. I miss playing in the playoffs. I can't answer your question. I know you want a definitive answer, but yeah, I'm gonna try and get back to playing," Couture said. "Obviously, I see guys that were here in the last couple of years have gone on, and some are in the playoffs, and some aren't."

Couture has always been a productive player in the NHL, but his postseason production is even better. He always seemed to come up with a clutch goal or play and would lead the Sharks in scoring.

During the 2018-19 run to the Western Conference Final, Couture had 14 goals and six assists in 20 games. When the Sharks went to the Stanley Cup Final, the captain had ten goals and 20 assists in 24 games.

Logan Couture loves San Jose, but until he gets back to playing at full strength, any questions about his future can't be answered, especially since he has a lot of control regarding a possible trade.

The center is expected to return to the ice in July and be ready for training camp.

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