Canucks Have a Couple More Options to Improve Centre Depth

Last season, Stastny had 20 takeaways to eight giveaways, won 56.7% of his faceoffs and had a 65 percent Corsi for. He is the ideal fourth-line centre for the Canucks, with room to move up if injuries arise or his play warrants it. He signed a one-year deal carrying a cap hit of $1.5 million, with additional bonuses in the contract in Aug. 2022 with the Hurricanes. This summer, as an unrestricted free agent (UFA), the Canucks may be able to get him for a cap hit of around $1 million. Even a smidge above the number would be worth it for his leadership and defensive play. Stastny would bring much-needed centre depth, easing the burden on Blueger if he does not play up-to-par to start the 2023-24 season.

Pius Suter

Pius Suter is the exception to the cheap rule… to an extent. Remarkably, the defensively responsible centreman has remained unsigned for so long into free agency. Typically, a player like him would have teams chomping at the bit to sign him. The 27-year-old has played three seasons in the NHL. Last season with the Detroit Red Wings, he scored 14 goals and 10 assists for 24 points in 79 games. He doesn’t bring a strong offensive punch but is a tidy defender with a hint of goal-scoring. He drew 18 penalty minutes to six taken, 31 takeaways to 15 giveaways, blocked 37 shots, and started 15.3% of his shifts in the defensive zone. He is a reliable bottom-six centre capable of killing penalties and is a shoo-in for 14 goals.

Considering Suter has gone so long without signing a new contract, the Canucks might be able to get him at a bargain compared to what one would expect for him. His last contract paid him an average annual salary (AAV) of $3.25 million. The Canucks can’t afford anywhere close to that; however, they could get him cheaper for two reasons. He has yet to sign a contract, meaning other teams may not be as interested in his talents, and he could bet on himself once the cap jumps next season. Everyone expects the cap to jump significantly following the 2023-24 season. If he signs a one-year deal in the $1.5-1.9 million range and helps the Canucks in a bottom-six role, he could increase his worth exponentially. Of course, this is all speculation, but it is doubtful any team will sign him to an AAV close to what he was making on his last contract.

Stastny or Suter would be fantastic depth options for the Canucks this upcoming season. There is no such thing as too many centres in the NHL. Centre is a prime position, and having as much depth down the middle as possible is usually a recipe for success. Stastny is the ideal target. If he opts to return to the NHL this season, his veteran experience could do wonders for the Canucks. Time will tell if Allvin decides to make additional signings before training camp, but bringing in one of Stastny or Suter would be a shrewd move if they could manage it.