Report: Schenn apologizes for his dirty hit on Couturier

Brayden Schenn made himself new enemies on Thursday night. In his first game against his former team, the Philadelphia Flyers, Schenn knocked Sean Couturier with a vicious hit to the head. His ex-teammate left the game, but he was able to come back and finish the game. The new St.Louis Blues forward received a two-minute interference penalty for his gesture. 

After the game, Schenn tried to explain himself when asked about the play by reporters. 

«He toe-dragged the puck into the middle. I’m not trying to go out there and try to hurt a guy. I know him pretty well. I played with him for six or seven years. I didn’t even finish through him. I was gliding, I tucked my shoulder, tucked my elbow, didn’t hit his head … I’m just glad that he came back in the game obviously. He probably went through the [concussion] protocol. The last thing I’m trying to do is hurt a former teammate.»

Couturier ended up recording two assists in a 2-0 win for the Flyers. 

Schenn, 26, was traded to the Blues at the NHL 2017 Draft for Jori Lehtera, the 27th overall pick in 2017 and a conditional first-round pick in next year's draft. He was drafted fifth overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2009. In 447 games played in the NHL, the Canadian forward registered 259 points. He added 14 points in 24 playoff games. 

Couturier, 24, was drafted eight overall by the Flyers in 2011. He played 430 games in the NHL, registering 208 points, and added four points in 19 playoff games. He's on his way to have his best offensive season, with 17 points in 14 games played so far.