The Daily: Why Canucks Need Suter; Dispelling Pens Rumors

The Vancouver Canucks had four primary concerns heading into this offseason and the Pius Suter signing helps address all of those issues.

The Canucks needed a center. They wanted a new forward who is responsible defensively. They wanted to reset the roster. The club had to find inexpensive additions to get their salary cap situation in order.

“Bringing in Pius for the next couple of years really helps us strengthen our center ice position,” Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said. “Adding a player who has scored 43 goals the past three seasons (is) a boost for us up front and he will also add to our penalty-killing unit. His flexibility to be able to play down the middle or on the wing will give [coach Rick Tocchet] more options when putting together his forward lines.”

The Red Wings always appreciated Suter’s defensive work.

Signing Suter for two years with a $1.6 million cap hit helps Vancouver’s budget. They have reset their roster by signing veterans Suter, Ian Cole, Carson Soucy and Teddy Bleuger. None of those players stretched the team financially.

According to CapFriendly.com, the Canucks have $765,000 in cap space with a player or two who might be traded to improve that space.

🗣 Hear from Pius Suter as he speaks with the media for the first time after joining the Vancouver #Canucks. pic.twitter.com/1377a7NZsG

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) August 11, 2023

Red Wings’ Offseason

NHL.com’s fantasy projections show Dylan Larkin with 84 points, Alex DeBrincat with 72 and Lucas Raymond with 60 in 2023-24.  Moritz Seider ranks among the NHL’s top 15 points. His projection is 52 points

As part of our 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff put together projections for relevant players on the Red Wings.https://t.co/Jwug6Er0Lc

— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) August 11, 2023

Red Wings In Case You  Missed It

• Bob Duff writes about Phil Osaer who is the Red Wings’ goalie guru. He’s been working with Sebastian Cossa.
• Things to ponder about the Red Wings with training camp around the corner: Who’s feeling some pressure and which two players need a breakthrough season?
•  Former Detroit player Sergei Fedorov has earned a reputation as a first-rate coach in Russia.

Hockey Now Network

Buffalo: The Sabres have four players on the NHL Network’s Top 50 prospect list, led by Zach Benson at No. 19. Mike Augello writes that there were some curious decisions on the ranking. Buffalo Sabres. 

Chicago: The Blackhawks placed three players on that NHL Network list. Of course, Connor Bedard is No. 1. Kevin Korchinski is at No. 33 and Oliver Moore is at No. 35. Chicago Blackhawks. 

Montreal: Marc Dumont addresses which Habs are ready to make an impact in 2023-23. Montreal Canadiens. 

Philadelphia: The Flyers’ chances of making the playoffs, according to betting sites, are officially awful. The Flyers have the league’s sixth worst odds to make the postseason. The Flyers have a 90.3% chance of not making the playoffs. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski dispels many of the Penguins’ trade rumors, including the Tomas Tatar-is-coming-to-town chatter. Pittsburgh Penguins.