Équipe: 2022-23 Avalanche du Colorado

Date de création initiale: 6 août 2022

Publié: 8 août 2022

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

With one year left on his deal, and with a few free agent forward additions, I’m wondering if Detroit may be open to moving Pius Suter. I’m not super familiar with the Wings, but just looking at their roster I would assume Suter slots in at 3C right now after the Copp signing. Last season, Michael Rasmussen had his best offensive year to date and Joe Veleno got his first long-term look in the NHL. Either player could get an opportunity at 3C if Suter isn’t in the long-term plans. In this scenario, Detroit is getting a 22-year-old wing prospect in Martin Kaut. The former 1st rounder likely has third-like upside at this point in his development, but he plays a very well-rounded game and could probably step into a bottom six role in the NHL right now. He’s also the former WJC line mate of Filip Zadina (not that it makes a difference). I could be off a bit on this value, but I think it’s a good starting point for a player in Suter who only has 1 year left before UFA.

Suter profiles like a player that could potentially grow into a greater role in Colorado, like many others players have over the last few seasons (Burakovsky, Donskoi, Nichushkin, Lehkonen, Kadri, Toews). He’s a good skater and skilled player. He has strong underlying numbers at both ends of the ice, especially at even strength. In two NHL seasons, he has a respectable 29 goals & 63 points in 137 games (82-game pace of 17.4 goals & 37.7 points). And at age 26, I like Suter’s upside to grow into a bigger role better than for example, 29 year old Evan Rodrigues. I’m not suggesting that Suter is a 1 for 1 Nazem Kadri replacement or a long-term set-and-forget solution. But at this point in the off-season, Colorado should be looking at guys who can contribute in the middle six and possibly jump in to the 2C role, both internally and externally. I think Suter fits that bill nicely.