The Daily: Darren Helm Retires; Why Isn’t Pius Suter Signed?

When you watch the continuing parade of players still receiving NHL contracts, it is difficult to fathom why Pius Suter hasn’t signed with an NHL team.

Suter is a reliable NHL player. He’s responsible, versatile and you can count on him for 13 or 14 goals per season. He’s a desirable bottom six forward who can move into a scoring line when injuries mount. The Red Wings liked him and were interested in keeping him, but he was looking for a two-year deal and they were only willing to give him one year.

Perhaps that is holding Suter back in the free agent market. At this point, teams are looking for bargains. They want players making $1 million or less on one-year deals. Suter had an AAV of $3.25 on his last Red Wings’ two-year deal. Doubtful he will get that in today’s market.

Oskar Sundqvist is another ex-Red Wing that remains out-of-work. The Red Wings appreciated his efforts last season as well. He was a plus in the locker room as well.

Now that Alex Nedeljkovic and Magnus Hellberg (Pittsburgh), plus Robert Hagg (Anaheim) and Jordan Oesterle (Calgary), have signed, Suter, Sundqvist, Alex Chiasson and Adam Erne are the remaining unsigned Red Wings from last season.

Seems like Foegele may be next to go. At $2.75mil it’s just too much. Which UFA can score 15 and has speed and will come cheap?
Heinen
Pius Suter
Boquist
Comtois
Erne
Mason Shaw
Khaira
Tierney#oilers

— OilersDub (@OilersDub) July 6, 2023

Red Wings Offseason

Former Detroit Red Wings forward Darren Helm is retiring from the NHL. He played 14 seasons with the Red Wings before playing his final two seasons with the Colorado Avalanche. He won Stanley Cups with both Detroit and Colorado.

In Case You Missed It

• The Red Wings may be parting ways with Filip Zadina. The Czech forward reportedly has asked that his contract be terminated
• GM Steve Yzerman is still in the mix to acquire Alex DeBrincat from Ottawa, but DeBrincat’s contract ask is getting in the way.
• Kris Draper was promoted to assistant general manager, but he will remain in charge of Detroit’s amateur scouting.
• Amadeus Lombardi hit all of the right notes at the Red Wings’ Development Camp

Hockey Now Network

Boston: The Bruins have three players going to salary arbitration, including Jeremy Swayman and Trent Frederic. Boston Bruins.

Buffalo: The Sabres signed Kale Clague as a depth defenseman. Buffalo Sabres. 

Chicago: Nate Brown writes about how Blackhawks’ prospect Drew Commesso’s work ethic was inspired by Andrei Vasilevskiy’s training habits. Chicago Blackhawks.

Florida: It’s official: Forward Patric Hornqvist is retiring from the NHL. Florida Panthers.

Los Angeles: Austin Stanovich creates the list of the top five American-born Los Angeles Kings. 

Montreal: Marc Dumont unveil’s MHN’s Canadiens’ prospect ratings. Montreal Canadiens.

Philadelphia: Defenseman Marc Staal is like a coach on the ice. He wants to be an experienced leader on a rebuilding team. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Drew O’Connor filed for arbitration. He posted 11 points and 63 hits in 36 games. Pittsburgh Penguins.

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Washington: The Capitals signed former Hobey Baker finalist Chase Priskie to a two-way deal. Washington Capitals.

Vegas: Chris Gawlik offers that there are three threats facing the Golden Knights in the Pacific Division. Vegas Golden Knights.