Swiss forward adds depth down the middle, but also adds to team's cap conundrum
The Vancouver Canucks have dipped back into the National Hockey League's free agent market agreeing to terms with centre Pius Suter on a two-year contract worth $1.6 million per season.
The 27-year-old native of Zurich, Switzerland scored 14 goals and added 10 assists in 79 games for the Detroit Red Wings. In his three NHL seasons he has scored 14, 15 and 14 goals.
A left shot, Suter broke into the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2020-21 and registered 27 points in 55 games as a rookie. Last season with the Wings, he averaged 14:04 of ice time and struggled in the face-off circle winning 46.8% of his draws. For his career, he has a 46.7% success rate.
Suter was fifth on the Wings -- and second among forwards behind only Dylan Larkin -- in terms of short-handed ice time. He scored a pair of short-handed goals and should be an option for Rick Tocchet as the Canucks continue to revamp their league-worst penalty kill from last season.
His 22 even-strength points were tied with former Wings teammate -- and now current Canuck -- Filip Hronek.
Suter should slot in as the Canucks third line centre although fellow free agent addition Teddy Blueger may have designs on that spot. Suter offers more offense than Blueger and provides better insurance in the event that he is required to fill a spot higher in the line-up.
It's a manageable contract for a player that could offer depth scoring and more playmaking from the third line centre position. However, the addition of Suter adds more money on the Canucks already and bloated salary cap. The team needs to find a way to shed salary ahead of opening night. This move could signal that General Manager Patrik Alvin has another transaction in mind.