The announcement does not say how or when exactly Couture sustained his injury. Regardless he will miss the first few weeks of the season. This is one of the few injuries Couture has dealt with. Last season he played all 82 games and had 67 points. Now the Sharks will have to find a way forward without him.
In Couture's absence, some of the young forwards in San Jose will need to step up. Players like Filip Zadina and Fabian Zetterlund are expected to make the roster. Others like Thomas Bordeleau and William Eklund are likely to challenge for roster spots.