Couture, 36, also was limited to six games in 2023-24 because of osteitis pubis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the inflammation of the joint between the pubis bones causes pain and swelling in the groin or lower abdomen. He last played on Jan. 31, 2024.
Couture had spent his entire 15-year career with the Sharks after being selected ninth overall in the 2007 draft. He was named captain in 2019.
He was best known for his prowess in the playoffs, where he scored 101 points in 116 postseason games.
That includes a league-best 20 assists and 30 points when the Sharks went to the 2016 Stanley Cup Final. He also led the 2019 playoffs with 14 goals in 20 games.
Couture, who has two years left on his contract, finishes his playing career with 323 goals (including 55 game-winners), 378 assists and 701 points in 923 regular-season games.
