All the attention of Blues players at the Olympics has centered on Jordan Binnington. This should not come as a surprise, considering all the storylines surrounding him. However, this has overshadowed the performance of other Blues at the Olympics. Specifically, the play of Pius Suter. In three games with Team Switzerland, he has recorded two goals. Suter has the second-most goals on the team and has only been edged out by Timo Meier.
Suter's play is a major reason Switzerland is currently second in Group A. This is not just good for the Swiss but also for the Blues. With the Blues looking to be sellers at the deadline, they need their players to be at their highest value. Get the biggest return possible for their players to ensure the best future. But how have these Olympic Games impacted Suter's trade stock, and what could a return look like?
Pius Suter could fetch the Blues a decent return
Suter has taken a step back this season. In 40 games this season, he has tallied seven goals and eight assists for 15 points. He is currently on pace for 31 points this year, a 15-point decrease from last season. It would also be his lowest point total for the 2023-24 season when he scored 29 in 67 games. This drop-off has raised some concerns for the Blues and around the league. Many have wondered if last season was an outlier and what we are seeing is the player Suter actually is.
But his performance at the Olympics suggests that Suter's decline this season has more to do with the Blues than his play. He's playing on Switzerland's second line alongside Nido Niederreiter and Sven Andrighetto. He's getting far more mintues than he did with the Blues, plus better linemates. His struggles this year appear to have more to do with the team rather than his play. The advance metrics back this up as he has a 49.69 CF%, a 52.61 SCF% and a 52.83 xG%, according to Natrual Stat Trick.
This also dispels some of the fears that Suter is not a big-game player. In this one, Suter appeared in the playoffs and performed. In 13 games, he recorded only one goal and two assists. It was just one performance, but with how much he struggled, many believed that he was not a 16-game player. However, this performance in the Olympics shows he can shine when the lights are the brightest. Making him a much more attractive player to trade for.
Suter is the type of player that every contender would love to have in their middle six. He's the type of player with a lethal shot and can get some high-leverage goals. With him under contract for next season, he could probably land the Blues and pick a prospect. A decent return for a team looking to rebuild, while trying to compete within the next few seasons. The best fit is the Lightning, as they are in desperate need of a forward who can slot into their top six.
While it may not look like it, Suter perfromance might be a god send for the Blues. It can increase his value and help the Blues land a better package than they would've.