Canucks Have Re‑Connected With Pending UFA Pius Suter…
The Vancouver Canucks have reportedly re-engaged in contract talks with their pending unrestricted free agent center, Pius Suter, around June 19–20. According to insider Rick Dhaliwal, the Canucks “have re‑connected with the Pius Suter camp in the last 24 hours,” signaling renewed discussions between both sides.
What This Means
Suter enjoyed a breakout season in 2024–25, tallying 25 goals and 21 assists in 81 games. That performance secured him a breakout deal expectation, with projections placing him in the $4–4.5 million AAV range. The Canucks, however, have been reluctant to meet that figure and have reportedly offered a contract in the mid-$3 million range .
This pricing gap explains why talks paused earlier. Yet, with free agency only days away (July 1), the team and player representatives are rekindling dialogue in hopes of bridging the gap.
Why Vancouver Needs Suter
As a versatile two‑way center who can play up and down the lineup and chip in offensively, Suter has become integral—especially amid injuries to key centers. His 20+ goal season came with vital faceoff support, defensive acumen, and even penalty killing that head coach Rick Tocchet highlighted . Analysts and fans alike view him as a valuable Swiss Army knife for a team seeking balance between scoring punch and physical play.
Key Points in Negotiation
- Salary: Suter is aiming for around $4 million; Canucks have counter‑offered mid‑$3 million
- Contract length: The Swiss center and his agent may prefer a multi‑year stability deal, while Vancouver may be cautious about overpaying after his breakout year.
- Market context: Center depth is shallow in free agency; Suter could be a hot target nationally—but he might also feel the market is softer than expected .
What’s Next
With July anxious looming, expect back-and-forth offers over the next week. Suter may test unrestricted free agency if negotiations stall, but he’s clearly on the table. For Vancouver, retaining Suter means retaining depth and two‑way versatility. Let him walk? They risk losing a reliable center without an easy replacement in market.
Either way, the coming days are decisive—for Suter’s future and the Canucks’ offensive balance in 2025–26.
