It’s concerning when even a minor scuffle in hockey results in an injury, especially when it involves a key player like Pius Suter. The Vancouver Canucks will likely be cautious, ensuring Suter’s health is fully assessed before making any decisions.
Sometimes, injuries that appear minor can develop into more significant issues if not handled carefully, particularly in a physical sport like hockey. Hopefully, it’s just precautionary and Suter can return to the lineup soon without any long-term impact.
It sounds like Monday night’s preseason game between the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers had its fair share of intensity! Corey Perry, known for his physicality and ability to agitate opponents, seems to have made a major impact with both his goal and his scrappy presence. His goal to tie the game in the third period likely set the tone for the rest of the match, eventually leading to the Oilers’ victory in the shootout.
As for Pius Suter, it’s tough to see him caught up in that kind of physical exchange, especially since he’s such a valuable player for the Canucks. Hopefully, the evaluation of his potential injury won’t reveal anything serious. Perry’s physical style often draws attention, and it’s clear he managed to leave his mark both on the scoreboard and in the more heated moments of the game.
That explains why Corey Perry was so fired up—it’s not surprising that he would jump to Connor McDavid’s defense, given McDavid’s status as the Oilers’ franchise player and the focal point of their offense. Perry, with his reputation as an enforcer and agitator, likely saw Suter’s treatment of McDavid as a perfect reason to intervene.
However, it’s interesting that Suter didn’t seem eager to engage in a full-on fight, making the altercation more of a symbolic clash than a real brawl. It sounds like it fizzled out quickly, but Perry still managed to create some disruption, which is part of his game.
Potential injury for Suter?
It’s definitely ironic that Pius Suter, who wasn’t looking to escalate the situation with Corey Perry, might be sidelined as a result of that encounter. With Suter absent from practice and being evaluated for a potential injury, it raises concerns for the Canucks, especially with the regular season approaching.
Rick Tocchet’s admission about Suter being under evaluation is a bit surprising, but it shows the Canucks are taking no chances. Injuries, even from minor scuffles, can sometimes have unexpected consequences, and the team will want to be sure he’s fully fit before pushing forward.
For Canucks fans, losing a player like Suter—who is expected to bring versatility and depth to the lineup—would be a blow, especially this early in the season. Hopefully, it’s just a precaution and nothing too serious.
Pius Suter has clearly proven his value to the Canucks, and it’s impressive how he contributed in various ways, including a solid +17 rating and a strong possession game with a 54.4 Corsi For % in all situations last season. While he’s currently projected to be the fourth-line center, his versatility and ability to play up the lineup make him a key part of Vancouver’s depth.
Having spent a significant portion of last season playing alongside top forwards like J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser, Suter has shown that he can produce offensively and handle tougher assignments. If he’s out for any length of time, it would certainly disrupt the team’s plans, especially given how important depth is in an 82-game season.
Pius Suter’s second season with the Canucks will be crucial, especially as he’s playing out the final year of his contract. His $1.6 million AAV is a solid value, considering what he brings to the table both defensively and offensively. It will be interesting to see how the chemistry develops with Kiefer Sherwood and Daniel Sprong, who both bring their own skillsets and could complement Suter well on the fourth line.
If Suter can stay healthy and build some cohesion with those two wingers, the Canucks’ bottom six could become a real strength.
