The Blackhawks announced three signings on Thursday that included their own blue-line prospect Ian Mitchell and a pair of free agents in defender Wyatt Kalynuk and forward Pius Suter.
Mitchell, of course, is the most notable name for how well the organization sees it. Walynuk also garnered attention for his strong junior season in Wisconsin, where he served as team captain. Suter’s name flew a little below the radar at first glance, but that’s because it was grouped together.
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So let’s highlight it because there is so much to like about what it could bring to the table.
Suter led all skaters in goals (30) and points (53) during 50 games last season in the Swiss National League A, where he was named league MVP. For reference, Dominik Kubalik recorded 25 goals and 57 points in the same league before making the NHL jump with the Blackhawks.
Suter is 24 years old and figures as center and left winger, so he brings some versatility to the front that the Blackhawks always appreciate. He is on the smaller end at 5 feet 11 inches, 176 pounds, but is known to be an effective two-way player and can clearly produce on offense.
Suter, who signed a one-year contract that has an average annual value of $ 925,000, is not eligible for the resumption of the 2019-20 season, but is expected to compete for a listed spot next season. And it certainly has a potential role for him as a forward for the six media if he can take it.
According to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, there were as many as nine NHL teams bidding for Suter’s services and the Blackhawks won due to their successful track record with undrafted European players. But there is also familiarity with assistant coach Marc Crawford, who was the ZSC Lions’ head coach during Suter’s rookie season in 2015-16.
The Blackhawks are going to be in a salary crisis for years to come, so locking Suter up for next season at low cost is remarkable and a big reason the team was aggressive in their pursuit. It would not be reasonable to expect Suter to have the same Calder Trophy-type production as Kubalik in Year 1, but it has the potential to step in and cause an immediate impact.
