The Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers preseason game on Monday night was an exciting one with lots to think about and debate. After all was said and done, the Oilers won 3-2 in a shootout. Corey Perry was named the game’s First Star, partly because of his goal early in the last period that tied the score at one. He was also, as demonstrated by the way he squared up to Pius Suter of the Canucks, his usual physical, trouble-making self.
Perry took issue with Suter’s physical abuse of Connor McDavid during a third-period altercation, which is why he did this. But even though the well-known tough guy took off his gloves, the Canucks forward wasn’t really interested in fighting, so the altercation was pointless. Possible harm to Suter? At least it appeared that way. Suter’s absence from the rink during practice at Rogers Arena on Tuesday was one of the first things that everyone noticed.
Following practice, Rick Tocchet was questioned by the media regarding Suter’s absence, including Brendan Batcherlor of Sportsnet 650 and Canucks play-by-play commentator. After his altercation with Perry, the Canucks head coach unexpectedly acknowledged that the 28-year-old was being assessed for a possible injury. Naturally, Canucks supporters will be hoping that Suter is not in any real danger and that this is just a precaution. If he is hurt despite trying not to get too violent with Perry, then there would be some irony.
In his second season in Vancouver, Suter is anticipated to be a key member of the Canucks’ fourth line centre group. He’s still a valuable player who would be further on the depth chart on other teams, even though he’s pegged for the bench.In this regard, the former Red Wing of Detroit did play alongside J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser for the bulk of the 2023–24 season. In addition to setting single-season personal bests with a +17 rating and 54.4 Corsi For % in All Situations, he scored 29 points in 67 games.
Suter is entering the second season of his two-year contract with the Canucks, which carries an Average Annual Value of $1.6 million. While nothing is certain at this stage, Kiefer Sherwood and Daniel Sprong are in serious contention to take up the wing positions on either side of the Swiss international on the fourth line.
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