Logan Couture's name keeps coming up in trade rumors, but the most important thing for the San Jose Sharks captain is getting healthy again.
After missing the first 45 games of the season with a lower-body injury, the 34-year-old Ontario native suffered another serious injury in late January. He only had time to play six games.
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The striker's season is not over yet, but a return date has not yet been announced. Two weeks ago he started training off the ice again.
“It's frustrating because you thought you had it behind you, but as I started playing a little more it became more and more painful. Even on days when I didn't run and on days off, it got worse. “This is not a good sign,” he told the media on Monday.
“I woke up and couldn’t get up,” he added. I couldn't move for a while and I knew what it was this time, but it didn't get any easier.
No time to think about it
In December, Couture admitted that his mental state had been strained by the injury and he didn't know if he would be able to put his skates back on. It's not easier the second time.
“It's a serious injury, but it is what it is. I will continue to work and try to get better. It's so hard because I felt good and ran well in these competitions. I felt like myself, so it's hard,” said the man who picked up an assist.
Since beginning his career in 2009, Couture has never won the Stanley Cup. Despite the ups and downs, he played all of his seasons in San Jose. The Sharks are on track to miss the playoffs for the fifth straight season, and the veteran could accept a trade that would move him closer to his ultimate goal.
“I'm injured at the moment. I just want to play hockey again, that's what I'm thinking about. If I get to play hockey, you can ask me that question, but I want to be with the Sharks. I love this place,” assured the one who would not see himself anywhere else.
Couture is under contract for three more seasons and will receive an average annual salary of $8 million.