“Shocking Twist: Sharks Star Couture’s Career Cut Short in Heartbreaking Turn of Events”

In a poignant turn of events, the San Jose Sharks are preparing to confront a bittersweet moment in their franchise’s history as they announce that stalwart captain Logan Couture will be stepping away from the ice due to lingering injury issues. Scheduled for a news conference on Tuesday, this announcement, as confirmed by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski, marks the end of an era for the Sharks and a remarkable chapter in Couture’s storied career. Though he won’t officially retire, opting to remain on long-term injured reserve, it’s the recognition of the toll the game has taken on him that weighs heavy in the air. As we reflect on Couture’s journey, one can’t help but feel a swirl of emotions—gratitude for the memories, recognition of his tenacity, and a sense of longing for what might have been—especially considering Couture’s impressive legacy, which includes leading the Sharks to their first Stanley Cup Final in 2016. With this announcement looming, it’s a fitting moment to honor the resilience and spirit Couture has brought to the sport, and to consider the impact of his absence as the Sharks navigate their future. LEARN MORE.

The San Jose Sharks scheduled a news conference for Tuesday, when the club and captain Logan Couture will announce that the veteran center can’t continue his playing career because of injury, a source told ESPN’s Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski on Monday night, confirming a report.

An NHL source told Wyshynski that Couture won’t officially retire, and that, instead, he will remain on long-term injured reserve. But his playing days are over, marking an end to one of the greatest careers in Sharks history.

At the news conference, San Jose general manager Mike Grier will be joined by Couture, 36, a 2007 first-round pick of the Sharks who spent this entire season on LTIR. He appeared in just six games last season for the rebuilding organization, and last played a full season in 2022-23, when he skated in 82 games, finishing with 27 goals and 67 points.

Couture, who has been dealing with osteitis pubis, an inflammation between the left and right pubic bones, was a perennial playoff performer despite the Sharks having never won a Stanley Cup. In 116 postseason games, he had 48 goals, including 16 power-play tallies, and 101 points. He helped lead San Jose to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016, when it lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

As the Sharks wrap up the regular season this week, Couture is concluding the sixth season of an eight-year, $64 million contract. He is due $13 million over the next two seasons, and his deal carries a salary cap hit of $8 million.

Couture will finish his career with 323 goals and 701 points. He is behind only Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski on the franchise’s all-time points leaderboard.

News of Couture’s decision was first reported by the Daily Faceoff.