It can be difficult to get recognized as one of the NHL’s best players when you’re showcasing your craft in the state of California, where games routinely begin at 10:30 p.m. EST.



It’s even more difficult when you don’t have a 12-inch beard hanging off of your face. These days, when the Sharks are in a road city, Joe Thornton and Brent Burns are still the most distinguishable players on the ice to media and fans due to their bushy manes that seem to match their personalities.



But the Sharks’ leader through their first two months of the season has unquestionably been Logan Couture, who leads the team with 15 goals (tied for ninth in the league) and 25 points. He’s playing in all situations, routinely skating against the other team’s top line on most nights, and, at 28, is in the prime of his career.



“When he’s been healthy, he’s proven he’s an elite player — like he did in the (2016...