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Canucks’ Suter being evaluated after scuffle with Perry: report
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Photo credit: © Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Clarke Corsan
Oct 1, 2024, 17:28 EDT
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After the Vancouver Canucks announced a deep wave of roster cuts earlier today, the team had a surprising absence. Pius Suter was not on the ice for practice at Rogers Arena.
Rink Wide’s Jeff Paterson caught up with head coach Rick Tocchet after practice, who said Suter is being checked for an injury after being roughed up in a scrum with Corey Perry in last night’s 3-2 preseason shootout loss to the Edmonton Oilers.
“He’s being evaluated. He got banged up on the scuffle there [with Perry],” said Tocchet.
Perry took issue with Suter tying up Connor McDavid midway through the third period and decided to drop his gloves, although Suter seemed uninterested and tried to disengage. The scuffle wasn’t particularly intense, so it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what might be bothering him.
The 28-year-old Zurich native is looking to take another step in his NHL career as he enters the second year of his two-year, $3.2 million contract with Vancouver. Suter played a mix bag of roles last season, but he spent most of his time lining up on J.T. Miller’s wing across from Brock Boeser. That line had an impressive stretch of dominance, controlling around 60% of all shot attempts when they were on the ice — one of the best marks in the league. Suter finished the season with 14 goals and 29 points in 67 games, but he’s more valued by the team for his defensive and high-IQ game than offensive output.
It’s still unclear who Suter’s linemates will be this season. He’s currently projected to start the year centring the fourth line. However, with the uncertain statuses of Dakota Joshua and Teddy Blueger, adjustments may be needed elsewhere in the lineup. Players like Aatu Räty and Arshdeep Bains are still battling for roster spots and have made it through today’s cuts. If Suter were to skate today, he likely would have centred the fourth line with Bains and Kiefer Sherwood. For now, that seems the most likely to line up alongside Suter, but changes could come as the season progresses.

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