After not getting a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent from the Chicago Blackhawks, breakout forward Pius Suter has found a new home.
Suter has signed a two-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings.
UPDATE: The Detroit #RedWings today agreed to terms with center Pius Suter on a two-year contract. pic.twitter.com/2LLsXycHFj
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 28, 2021
Suter, 25, was a breakout rookie last season with the Blackhawks after winning the Swiss NLA MVP award in 2019-20. He tallied 14 goals and 27 points in 55 games with Chicago, ranking fourth on the team in points.
Pius Suter ended up making a decision quicker than he thought. He gets a two-year deal with Detroit at $3.25M AAV.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 28, 2021
The Blackhawks made decisions to leave players like Suter, David Kämpf, and Vinnie Hinostroza without contracts heading into the opening of free agency today, all three have now found new NHL homes, with Suter getting the most lucrative deal of the three.
Chicago heads into the 2021-22 season with a glut of middle-six forward options with players like Adam Gaudette, Tyler Johnson, Brandon Hagel, and Henrik Borgström in the fold already, making the move to leave Suter to the open market more sensible from a savings standpoint.
Chicago has spent more money on goaltending and defense this summer since the draft and free agency periods of the offseason have begun. Suter joins the ever-growing list of top-tier European prospects to join the Blackhawks and move on the bigger and better things after a short-stint in Chicago.