Detroit Red Wings: Pius Suter might wind up being trade bait

The Detroit Red Wings are pushing on with their 2021-22 season, and being that March is on the horizon, the trade deadline is starting to come into focus. General Manager (GM) Steve Yzerman is expected to be active and get busy when they get closer to the trade deadline.

When it comes to the trade deadline in recent years, the Detroit Red Wings are commonly active in doing something. In recent years, the Red Wings have been known for bringing in draft capital to ensure that they are bringing in talent to support the next few years as the rebuild ends.

On top of that, the Red Wings are in a position where they could be buyers or sellers when the trade deadline comes around. When it comes to the Red Wings, they will have to weigh out the options for what is best.

One thing is sure; they have some assets that could be considered quite liquid, or at least players who may be on the way out if a trade offer catches the eye of Yzerman, providing he decides to sell.

Pius Suter is the player in question. While there are others, like Vladislav Namestnikov, who could be headed to a new team at the trade deadline, Suter is another one of those players who may be on the radar of other teams.

Detroit Red Wings forward Pius Suter might become trade bait.

Unlike Namestnikov, who is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2021-22 season, Suter has a contract that carries him through next year (the 2022-23 season). He’s making $3.25 million this year and will take home $3.25 million for next season as well on his two-year contract.

While this may steer some teams away from him, he would likely be a solid bottom-six depth addition to a competing team looking to add a playmaking forward. After making his debut last season, Suter has proven to be a solid addition to the Red Wings and is doing a great job in his second season in the NHL.

He’s become someone who makes plays happen and helps provide quality scoring chances for the Red Wings offense. In 50 games played during the 2021-22 season, Suter has put up 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 total points on the year. He’s just four points shy of his totals from the 2020-21 season through 55 games played.

On top of being someone who creates scoring chances and makes things happen offensively, the Red Wings have been able to rely on Suter night in and night out. He’s missed just one game for the team and has remained healthy for all 50 games the Red Wings have played this season.

Teams are likely going to be looking at him. Even if he is not the top trade target on the Red Wings roster, there’s a good chance the team is shopping him to see what kind of offers flood in from other organizations around the league.