22 Days 'Til Boston College Hockey: Get To Know #22, Josh Couturier

Three weeks from tomorrow, the Eagles take the ice. They'll be relying on a pair of freshmen to be part of the revamped blue line. Today we meet one of them, Josh Couturier.

#22 Josh Couturier, Defenseman

Class Year: Freshman
Height: 6'2''
Weight: 185
Hometown: Newbury, MA

Before BC:

A local product, Couturier came up through the Boston Junior Bruins system and also spent two years with the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL.

Fun facts:

- Couturier decommitted from Northeastern University last year and pledged his commitment to BC in December of 2014
- Couturier becomes the first Eagle to wear #22 since Evan Richardson... let's not talk about that.

2014-2015 in review:

After two years in the USHL, Couturier came back east last year to play for the Boston Junior Bruins in the US Premier Hockey League. Though known mostly for being a stalwart defender, Couturier added goalscoring to his arsenal last season, scoring 16 goals and 38 points in 49 games.

2015-2016 outlook:

When Noah Hanifin was expected to be part of the Eagles lineup this year, Couturier was seen as the likeliest choice to be the #7 defenseman, floating in and out of the lineup and gaining experience without being counted on to play every single day. Not so anymore. Couturier will almost certainly be in the lineup on opening night in West Point and if BC's defense is going to be a strength this year, he'll have to contribute.

Couturier has good size and strength, and is a well-regarded two way prospect on the blue line. While he's not necessarily considered an elite NHL prospect - he was a 9th round pick in the USHL draft and a 10th round pick in the QMJHL draft in 2012 - he's someone who has the ability to be a solid, four-year contributor for BC. Frankly, that's exactly what BC needs.

Links:

Twitter: @joshcouturier24

EliteProspects page on Josh Couturier

BCEagles.com's introduction to Couturier

Next up:

#21 Matt Gaudreau, Friday, 9/18