Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin is reportedly holding firm in contract discussions with breakout center Pius Suter, declining to negotiate if the forward’s asking price remains above $4 million per season.
Suter, who enjoyed a productive campaign with the Canucks last season, is nearing unrestricted free agency, and according to NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal, the Canucks may already be priced out of contention.
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Dhaliwal revealed on Wednesday that while the team is interested in retaining the 28-year-old Swiss centreman, they have yet to present a concrete offer. The current expectation is that Suter is seeking an annual average value starting in the $4 million range— a figure the Canucks’ front office is reportedly unwilling to meet.
“Allvin doesn’t want to go there,” said Dhaliwal, noting the Canucks’ valuation is instead in the low-to-mid $3 million range. With the July 1st free agency window approaching, Suter is likely to garner attention from other teams, especially given the scarcity of proven centers on the market.
This growing divide was echoed by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who confirmed on the 32 Thoughts podcast that Suter is trending toward the open market, with the Canucks unwilling to match his perceived market value.
Though Suter only has one high-impact NHL season under his belt, his strong two-way play and offensive upside have made him an intriguing asset. However, Vancouver’s tight salary cap situation and Allvin’s unwillingness to overpay may push Suter out of town— a risky gamble considering the team’s already thin depth down the middle and the potential loss of Brock Boeser as well.
Critics argue that if the gap is as little as $1 million annually, the Canucks—especially after last season’s strides—should find a way to retain a key contributor like Suter. With fan sentiment divided and the front office standing pat, the Canucks may soon see another core piece walk in free agency.
Unless something changes fast, Pius Suter appears destined to test the open market, leaving Vancouver with yet another hole to fill up front.
