Pius Suter could be leaving Vancouver Canucks for Toronto Maple Leafs: report

One of the few bright spots for the Vancouver Canucks this past season might be heading to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In an ESPN article co-authored by Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski, the duo suggested that Canucks centre Pius Suter is a player the Leafs are looking at in free agency, should he end up on the open market.

“Sam Bennett appears determined to stay in Florida. [Jonathan] Toews and Matt Duchene have signed elsewhere,” the duo wrote. “Beyond [John] Tavares, the Leafs are looking at Mikael Granlund, Pius Suter or perhaps Claude Giroux.”

Toronto faces an interesting dilemma in the free agent market this year, with the top name on the board being one that appears to be leaving them: star forward Mitch Marner, who is hitting the market after nine years with the Leafs.

Like the Leafs, the Canucks were also interested in Duchene before he re-signed with the Dallas Stars.

But with both teams whiffing on the star forward, Suter will likely have a large number of suitors, if you’ll pardon the pun.

“I believe the Canucks have reconnected with the Pius Suter camp in the last 24 hours. I believe contract talks are back on,” Dhaliwal said on Donnie and Dhali late last week.

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent at age 24 by the Chicago Blackhawks back in 2020, Suter has built up a solid NHL resume during his five seasons, which also included two years with the Detroit Red Wings.

Suter had 25 goals and 46 points in 81 games, slotting in often on the Canucks’ second line following the departure of J.T. Miller this past season.

Signed on a two-year deal worth US$1.65 million per year, Suter is reportedly looking to make at least US$4 million per season on his next contract. AFP Analytics projects that he’ll get US$4.98 million annually on a four-year deal.

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