Pius Suter, long rumoured to be signing a contract with the Vancouver Canucks, has done just that. This signing fits a need for the Canucks.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the #Canucks have agreed to terms with forward Pius Suter on a two-year contract with a $1.6M AAV.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) August 11, 2023
Pius Suter Fills the Blank
The Canucks have needed what is classically referred to as a “third-line centre” ever since their Bo Horvat trade. With the long pause between Teddy Blueger‘s signing and this one, there was some speculation Blueger would be it.
It wouldn’t have been a terrible decision – Blueger could still have some upside – Suter is a lock. The former Red Wing took his time breaking into the league, and at 27 years old is just a three-year veteran. But his role in both Chicago and Detroit was as a solid, bottom-six centre with a strong defensive game. That’s the theory, anyway. It actually played out somewhat differently.
In fact, Suter ended up playing substantial time with top Red Wings Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. You would think, given that match, he would get more points. Instead, while he’s a good option for depth scoring, he became a vital part of their penalty kill. Which, it bears repeating, the Vancouver Canucks desperately need.
Need Him, Need Him, Got Him
The Canucks will pencil in Pius Suter their primary penalty-killing centre. As much as Elias Pettersson wants the spot – shades of Henrik Sedin – there’s a reason not to use him there. Killing penalties is a LOT of work, and it’s ice time that’s unlikely to bring scoring chances. Fun idea to sneak him out in the last 20 seconds, though, just to keep the power play on its toes.
Suter is the best expectation for an undrafted player – outside envelope-destroying stars like Martin St. Louis, that is. He’s a thoughtful, experienced forward who found a niche in the NHL. Breaking in at 24 years old, he provided some depth scoring for a Blackhawks team that was happy for anyone who managed it.
Time in Detroit refined his game. He went from a utility forward playing wherever was needed to a defensive specialist as the Red Wings improved. The goals Suter has scored – 14, 15, and 14 in his past three years – were nice additions to his game. In fact, his 43 already tops Blueger’s career 35. Blueger will just have to polish his Stanley Cup ring if it becomes an issue.
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Vancouver improves where they most needed it – with a penalty-killing centre. In a perfect world, Suter would be right-handed, but otherwise, he should be an excellent fit on the Canucks. The contract he signed is good value, with neither trade protection nor bonus money to be paid. It’s a straightforward $1.6 million per season for a role they need filled.
This does put the Canucks over the salary cap by nearly $5 million. While there is the potential to use Tucker Poolman and Tanner Pearson on LTIR, Pearson has said otherwise. As of July, both he and the team have said he’s going to be ready to go by training camp. Looks like seven (surgeries) is his lucky number!
This does bring an actual battle for spots to Vancouver’s bottom six. The pleasant surprise that was Nils Åman is now in direct competition with Teddy Blueger at centre on the fourth line. Sheldon Dries – very effective in minimal ice time – will also make his voice heard. The pressure is on for Jack Studnicka to re-find his place on the team.
All in all, this is a very good signing at a reasonable price. Not everyone is happy with the Vancouver Canucks direction, but Patrik Allvin is proving to be a decent navigator.
Main Photo Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
