The Contract and The Plan
St. Louis Blues center Pius Suter has a spot on the roster for the upcoming season. He signed a deal last summer that pays him $4.125 million a year. That contract has one year left on it. According to Bleedin Blue, the team expects him to play every night. Suter is not a top-line player, and the Blues don’t need him to be. He’s a solid middle-six forward who can score about 15 goals a season. That kind of production is worth the money for a team trying to win now.
He can play on the wing or down the middle.
The front office made many moves this summer, but they kept Suter for a reason. He brings a skill set that’s hard to find. This flexibility helps the coach build a line that works. He isn’t the best player in the world, but he’s reliable. The Blues know exactly what they’re getting with him.
Where He Fits In
Head coach Jim Montgomery has a clear plan for the center position. Robert Thomas is the main guy down the middle. Mason McTavish was added to the team to play the second-line spot. This leaves the third-line center job open for debate. Suter will likely battle Dalibor Dvorsky for that role. If Dvorsky gets the job, Suter moves to the wing. He can play next to Jake Neighbours on that third line. This setup protects Dvorsky from being put in a spot he isn’t ready for yet.
Forcing a young player to carry a heavy load can hurt a team. Suter learned this lesson in Vancouver. When injuries struck others, he was forced to play on the top line. That usage burned him out. The Blues won’t make that same mistake. They know his limits and his strengths. They’ll use him where he can succeed. He won’t be asked to do too much. This is a smart move for a team with young talent.
The Trade Deadline Option
There is a chance the Blues might not make the playoffs. If the team struggles, Suter becomes a very valuable asset. His contract expires after this season. That makes him a prime target for other teams looking for depth. According to Bleedin Blue, he could be one of the most sought-after players at the trade deadline. A team could trade for him and get a good player for the rest of the year. The Blues could then get a prospect in return. This gives them a chance to win now or build for later.
Even if the team is in the playoff race, they might still trade him. They could use the spot to give a young player a chance to prove himself. Suter is a veteran who can handle pressure. He can also help a new prospect learn the game. This is a win-win for the organization. They get a reliable player on the ice. They also keep their options open for the future. Suter knows his role. He is ready to help the Blues in any way they need. The fans should expect to see him on the ice every night. He is a key part of the puzzle.
