Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen filed an article in which he discusses the strange fact that former Red Wings forward Pius Suter can’t seem to land a job as an unrestricted free agent:
Suter is a reliable NHL player. He’s responsible, versatile and you can count on him for 13 or 14 goals per season. He’s a desirable bottom six forward who can move into a scoring line when injuries mount. The Red Wings liked him and were interested in keeping him, but he was looking for a two-year deal and they were only willing to give him one year.
Perhaps that is holding Suter back in the free agent market. At this point, teams are looking for bargains. They want players making $1 million or less on one-year deals. Suter had an AAV of $3.25 on his last Red Wings’ two-year deal. Doubtful he will get that in today’s market.
Oskar Sundqvist is another ex-Red Wing that remains out-of-work. The Red Wings appreciated his efforts last season as well. He was a plus in the locker room as well.
Now that Alex Nedeljkovic and Magnus Hellberg (Pittsburgh), plus Robert Hagg (Anaheim) and Jordan Oesterle (Calgary), have signed, Suter, Sundqvist, Alex Chiasson and Adam Erne are the remaining unsigned Red Wings from last season.
Continued; Suter had a solid run in Detroit, but I do hope that he finds success elsewhere.
