Updated 3x at 2:51 PM: Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen reports that new Red Wings center Pius Suter hopes to slide into the Wings’ #2 center slot behind Dylan Larkin:
The Detroit Red Wings haven’t said specifically that they intend to play Pius Suter as their No. 2 center. But that’s his plan.
“That should be my goal and is my goal,” the Swiss forward said Thursday in his introductory press conference with the media. “I have to, in the training camp and games, perform. I have to make sure the coach gives me a chance and then I have to prove myself.”
The Red Wings have Dylan Larkin coming off injury, and there has no information of where he is at in his recovery. Michael Rasmussen is penciled in as the No. 3 center. Before the Red Wings persuaded Suter to sign a two-year deal for $3.250 million per season, the plan for the No. 2 center was either Joe Veleno stepping up, or perhaps Robbie Fabbri, Vladislav Namestnikov or a combination of all three.
But now they have added a center who netted 13 even-strength goals last season for the Blackhawks. His 14 total goals makes him the Red Wings top returning scorer. His goal-scoring total over the abbreviated 56-game season projects to 21 goals over an 82-game schedule. Suter is comfortable at both center and wing.
Continued (paywall);
Update: Here’s more from MLive’s Ansar Khan:
Continue reading Allen: Suter’s looking out for #2