Canucks bring in forward depth by signing Suter

*Photo from Octopus Thrower*

   Adding more depth never hurts. The Vancouver Canucks and forward Pius Suter have agreed to a two year, $3.2 million contract, according to an announcement by the team on Friday.

   Hitting free agency at the start of July, Suter finally has a new home over a month later with the Canucks. His contract carries a $1.6 million AAV and runs through the end of the 2024-2025 season, giving Suter a bit of term.

   Suter said of signing with the Canucks that "The Canucks always showed interest right from beginning. I could tell they kind of did their homework on me and at the end, that's what excites me about it the most. They kind of know what I am as a player. But yeah, six weeks has been a bit longer, but now excited that I finally know where I'm going and excited to get started."

   Last season was Suter's second year in a Red Wings uniform and the second of a two year contract. He put up 14 goals and 10 assists for 24 points, averaging 14:04 of ice time while posting a -3 rating in 79 games for the Red Wings, who missed the playoffs.

   Part of the upside with signing Suter is his durability, having played in 216 of the possible 220 games in the regular season over the 3 years he's been in the league. He also brings plenty of versatility positionally, being able to play center as well as both wings.

   Vancouver GM Patrik Allvin said that "Bringing in Pius for the next couple of years really helps us strengthen our center ice position. Adding a player who has scored 43 goals the past three seasons will be a boost for us up front and he will also add to our penalty-killing unit as well. His flexibility to be able to play down the middle or on the wing will give Rick more options when putting together his forward lines."

   Suter has played for both the Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks in his 3 NHL seasons. In that time, he has racked up 43 goals, 44 assists, and a -19 rating, averaging 15:44 of ice time in 216 regular season games. Suter has never been on a postseason roster.

   In training camp, Suter will likely compete for a 3rd line spot, likely as a center. Elias Pettersson, JT Miller, Teddy Blueger, and Nils Aman are the other centers on the Canucks depth chart.