The Boston Banshees have swung yet another trade, sending centre Sean Couturier, defenseman Ryan Ellis, and a fourth round pick to the West Virginia River Rats for forward Alexandre Texier, defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph, the Rats’ first round pick (21st overall), and a third rounder.
Both Couturier and Ellis are expected to miss most or all of the season with injuries, so the deep River Rats — who already acquired Jonathan Toews this offseason — seem to be loading up with an eye on 2023-24. Despite his injury woes, Couturier is coming off a 40-goal season and could still be an impact player down the line. For the Banshees, who now only have 12 forwards in their entire system, it clears the way for a significant retool this offseason.