Canucks Rumors: Pius Suter Projected To Leave Vancouver After Denied Pay Raise
After a year in which he provided valuable depth scoring and versatility, Suter has become an expendable piece due to the emergence of younger players and offseason additions. Vancouver’s front office hasn’t publicly closed the door on re-signing him, but with other priorities on the roster, it’s clear Suter’s camp is preparing for a change.
Insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the Canucks turned down what Suter was looking for in an extension at the trade deadline. According to a team source, “There’s mutual respect, but no traction on an extension.”
Suter is in the last year of a 2-year, $3.2M contract ($1.6M AAV), signed back in 2023.
Vancouver Canucks down 5-2 with 1 minute left in the game..
— TrendingSportsPodcast (@TrendingSportsP) April 9, 2025
Aatu Raty 5-3
Pius Suter 5-4
Pius Suter 5-5
OT
Kiefer Sherwood 6-5 😳
WHAT DID WE JUST WITNESS ??? Greatest last minute comeback of all time
pic.twitter.com/fkFDaIP2kb
Suter’s projected departure isn’t due to a lack of performance—he posted solid numbers in limited minutes and was trusted in a variety of roles, including on the penalty kill. His most recent game was very impressive, recording two of three Canucks' goals in the final minute of regulation against the Dallas Stars to send the game to overtime, where Kiefer Sherwood ended it.Elliotte Friedman on UFA Pius Suter : The solution for centre might be the guy who is already there. The Canucks didn't like Suter's number at the deadline but they might have to look at those numbers again. I am curious to see what happens there.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) April 1, 2025
But with Nils Höglander taking on a bigger role, Vasily Podkolzin expected to get another shot, and the Canucks possibly targeting a top-six winger via trade, there’s simply no clear path for Suter in the lineup.
The 28-year-old is having a career-best season, recording 24 goals and 21 assists for 45 total points across 77 games played.
Wonder how #Canucks will manage a 2C position
— Benchrates (@benchrates) April 8, 2025
Filip Chytil and Pius Suter have one season played at a $6m level under their belts. Can they consistently play at that level? Chytil could fill a checkbox but he should stay healthy. And Suter isn't a proven 2C for a contender https://t.co/wTKIYuG8Wm pic.twitter.com/RNdorz1TeJ
Around the league, Suter would undoubtedly draw interest as a low-cost, reliable forward who can play both center and wing.
Teams looking to round out their bottom six with a steady presence—particularly those with playoff aspirations—are expected to reach out once free agency opens, if Canucks and Suter can't get a deal done.
Though the Canucks may circle back if other options fall through, all signs point to Suter continuing his NHL career elsewhere.
Photo Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images
