NHL Rumors: Landing spots for Ryan Suter; Alex Edler hitting free agency; Braden Holtby on the move; and Vince Dunn
Anthony Scultore
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When Ryan Suter got the call from Bill Guerin that he was being bought out; he simply cut off his GM by hanging up. So what does the future hold for a 36 year-old defender that’s a little up there in age? Apparently, he won’t be out of work long.
NHL Rumors: Several teams lining up for Ryan Suter
Suter, a defenseman from Madison, Wis., posted 19 points (three goals, 16 assists) in 56 games in 2021-22. He has 607 points (93 goals, 514 assists) in 1,198 games with the Nashville Predators (2005-12) and Wild.
Teams looking for a leader and mentor for their blue-line will find Suter a very inexpensive and attractive option. Michael Russo of The Athletic notes that the St. Louis Blues already have interest in him. Other possibilities could include; the Avalanche, Islanders, Blackhawks, Penguins, and Lightning.
Come July 28th, it appears there will be no shortage of suitors for his services.
Alex Edler hitting free agency
Yesterday, longtime Canucks defenseman Alex Edler informed them he will be testing free agency. While Vancouver hopes they can get him to re-sign, they understand his desire to see what is out there. According to several reports, an offer was made but Edler is seeking new opportunity.
“It’s just a matter of the right time for Alex to try free agency,” Edler’s agent Mark Stowe told “Donnie and Dhali – The Team” on Chek TV in Vancouver. “He’s played over 925 games and been with the Canucks organization for 15 years. It’s more … the chance to do so and perhaps the last time in his career because he’s older.”
NHL.com
What will the market be like for a 35 year-old defenseman who only picked up 8 points in 52 games last season remains to be seen. However; if there’s a team who wants a stabilizing presence and has the ability to block shots, Edler could be a fit. He was fourth in the NHL last season with 118 blocks.
My best guess is Edler is looking for a chance to win a Stanley Cup, something the Canucks are not expected to do next season. Look for teams like the Lightning who may be bargain hunting after they clear cap space this summer.
Canucks may trade Braden Holtby
Instead of risking loosing goalie Braden Holtby for nothing in the expansion draft, they will try and move him before the trade freeze today.
At least one Eastern Conference team and one Western Conference team are believed to be among Holtby’s interested suitors, and league sources indicated to The Athletic on Thursday night that there are even more teams who have expressed some interest.
The Athletic
According to the report; Seattle may want to work a deal with Vancouver to retain some of his salary which comes in at $5.7 million. This is an unlikely route the Canucks would take because if anything a Seattle selection at least removes hit entire hit off their cap.
Vancouver’s main order of business is to sign both Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes to new deals. If they can get something for Holtby and remove his cap hit too boot, it’s a big win for the Canucks.
Will the Blues make a move?
There’s some questions today surrounding the Blues. Many believe they will simply expose Vince Dunn to the expansion draft. If he’s there, the Kraken will undoubtedly select him. The trade freeze kicks in at 3 PM so it’s possible a deal is made by then.