NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Pius Suter

Get to Know Pius (pronounced like “Pews”) Suter

Date of Birth: 5/24/1996
Place of Birth: Wallisellen, SUI
Ht: 5’11” Wt: 170 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
Team: Guelph Storm (OHL)

One of our only second-time entrants into the NHL Draft that we’ll be previewing, Pius Suter went undrafted last year more as a result of his unfortunate circumstances than anything else. After coming over in the OHL Import Draft, Suter played predominantly on the 4th line and in penalty killing situations for the Guelph Storm, scoring only 24 points in 66 games in his draft year.

Despite being undrafted, the Storm elevated Suter to the first line this past season and he responded by doing what he’s done at every level: score goals. His 43-goal season placed him in the top 10 of OHL goal scorers and among illustrious company that will be drafted in the first round this year.

Statistics

What Scouts See

Elite Prospects:

Offensive center that plays a sound all-around game. Never gives up on a play and possesses very good individual skills. Has a goal scorer’s mindset, but is dependable at both ends of the ice; can contribute in a number of different ways. Though he isn’t the biggest player, that is nullified due to his willingness to battle against bigger players.

Brock Otten, OHL Prospects:

Excelled as a depth player last year for Guelph, playing 3rd/4th line minutes and working as a penalty killer. But the Storm needed him to step up and play a top 6 role this year. He’s responded very well to the increased ice time. He continues to play a high energy game that made him a fan favourite last year, but his offensive abilities have grown by leaps and bounds. He looks stronger on the puck and has excelled with higher skilled linemates, showcasing good vision and playmaking ability.

What BSN Avalanche sees

Suter is a tough guy to evaluate. Knowing he’s already 19 is important to the context of his breakout season, as is his playing with NHL draft picks Tyler Bertuzzi and Robbi Fabbri. Suter’s promotion from the 4th line, penalty kill specialist role he played last season to first line center was a catalyst for his seemingly out of nowhere 43-goal season.

In reality, Suter is a talented player in his own right. He’s very shifty with the elusive skating style that will help overcome his slight frame and has a wicked shot. He’s a creative playmaker who shows excellent vision and while he played with great players, he certainly didn’t hold them back.

Where Suter really shines is that he’s a legitimately talented two-way center. He excels on the penalty kill, is a strong faceoff man, and battles hard against all opponents, big or small. I’ve purposely avoided making NHL player comparisons but watching Pius Suter play I couldn’t help but think I was watching a slightly smaller, younger Frans Nielsen.

I don’t think his offensive game will translate to big-time goal-scoring in the NHL but he WILL score at that level and his defensive maturity is going to play very well in pro hockey. He’s obviously a smaller guy right now and will need to bulk up in the pros but if he can play the same quick, shifty style closer to 200 pounds, Suter has a chance to be a very strong complementary player.

Highlights



NHL Potential

Suter’s potential is all over the board. He could be a third line center who excels at penalty kills and can chip in points or he could be a legitimate top 6 forward who pours in goals. It all depends on how well he adapts his game to overcome the physical limitations he faces at the highest level.

Expected Draft Position

Suter is listed by CSS as the 74th best North American skater and checks in at 101 on Future Considerations’ final list, failing to appear in the top 100 lists of several other prominent services. This makes predicting Suter’s draft position tricky because an organization could easily make a case for him starting in the 3rd round but he could potentially be available as last as the 6th or 7th round due to his size and overage status.

How Prospect Fits in Avalanche Organization

The answer to this question is entirely dependent upon the round he’s selected in. Should the Avalanche take a flier on Suter in the middle-to-late rounds, it’s an excellent value selection where you hope to find a true diamond in the rough.

If the Avalanche get bold and select Suter 71st overall with their 3rd round selection, it’s a highly questionable decision on a player with an awful lot of question marks surrounding him. He’s a smaller player, something the Avalanche have actively begun to move away from, but he’s very talented.

Suter’s strong two-way game and ability to play and thrive in a complementary role as well as a prime scoring role gives teams the type of versatility they always covet. As an older player on his second pass through the draft, Suter’s path to pro hockey would be quicker than others so there’s less projection remaining in his game.

He would not be the top center in the Avalanche organization but he would press Colin Smith and Troy Bourke for their jobs in San Antonio in the near future.