$ 18 million: a temporary center in Montreal

In the summer saga which is currently written behind the scenes of the NHL. Nevertheless, a name attracts attention and amplifies tensions to the transactions market: Pius Suter.

The Swiss Center. Meanwhile, which has just experienced its best season with the Vancouver Canucks, is at the heart of a real war of seduction between two historic powers of Canadian hockey: Montreal Canadians and Toronto Maple Leafs.

But contrary to what many thought, it was not the canucks, its former team, which lead the auctions. Similarly, These are the leafs. Nevertheless, And this is where the situation becomes explosive for Montreal supporters.

It is not a secret for anyone: the Toronto Maple Leafs are in panic mode. Nevertheless, They feel that the cards castle built around Mitch Marner (who will join the Golden Knights). Furthermore, John Tavares (who negotiates to stay) is collapsing.

The $ 18 million: temporary center rumors of a departure from Marner to Vegas or Dallas have never been so insistent. In addition, Marner even visited houses in Vegas, when he was accused of having already spoken to the leaders of the Knights.

Meanwhile, Toronto needs a plan B, a player capable of stabilizing his offensive top-9 without costing a fortune. In addition, Toronto would have been able to suck in the sights.

But what few observers had anticipated is how much this prosecution of Toronto was going to complicate the Canadian’s plans.

Montreal has identified to sweat as a discreet, strategic, almost invisible target. Additionally, In addition, A center capable of playing on the first two trios. In addition, as well as on Bottom 6 with experience, stable production, and above all an impeccable work ethics. However, A safe bet.

And now Toronto, smelling the same opportunity, is creating a duel on the transactions market $ 18 million: temporary center between the rivals of always.

In Montreal, we know the gaps. For example, The absence of a real second center weighed the team for two seasons. In addition, Kirby Dach, despite an undeniable potential, was not able to play a regular role due to injuries.

Christian Dvorak will leave CH via the March of free agents. In addition, Kent Hughes knows: you have to solidify the center and quickly.

PIUS SUTER TO COCK all the boxes. For example, At 29, he is at his peak. However, He has just recorded a 46 -point season (25 goals), while playing an important role in special units.

He can face the best opposing trios, gain significant players, and he knows how to produce in crucial moments. Furthermore, This is exactly what CH is looking for to surround Demidov while waiting for Michael Hage.

But if Toronto is essential in this struggle, it could $ 18 million: temporary center be a monumental slap for Montreal. One more slap. in an already frustrating rivalry by Toronto arrogance and the recent failures of CH to attract impact players.

This file exceeds the simple case of sucking. It is a prestigious struggle, a symbolic confrontation. If Toronto succeeds in flying to sweat under the nose of the CH. it will be seen as a demonstration of force. And Montreal, once again, will have to be satisfied with crumbs on the market.

Especially since the interest of the leafs is very serious. According to several sources around the team’s entourage, Brad Treliving is preparing an offer around 4 and $ 18 million.

It’s not nothing. Steeter. who has always dreamed of playing for a leading Canadian market, could be seduced by Toronto’s media power and his desire to win now. Especially since his agents have established a goal of $ 4.5 million per $ 18 million: temporary center year, exactly what the Leafs offer.

Can Montreal fall into an escalation?

This is the burning question. Kent Hughes is ready to offer more 4.5 million per season to a player who, despite his excellent season, is not a superstar?

We still speak of a luxury plumber. CH has two choices: either it goes to the offensive. tries to beat Toronto with a more daring offer, or it retreats cautiously so as not to hypothequate its salary flexibility for a player with offensive talent Linit.,

But beware: doing nothing would be a terrible signal sent to the supporters. After missing Trevor Zegras for peanuts. and while the Crosby dossier remains uncertain, not to go on a player like Sut could be interpreted as another non-gesture of loser.

But overpaying it will be seen as a gesture of panic.

The rivalry between Montreal and Toronto is historic. It is $ 18 million: temporary center written with symbolic gestures, of signatures that mark the imagination. When Toronto signed John Tavares, it was to assert his domination.

Marc Bergevin had visited the installations of CH in Tavares, but Toronto had won the battle … again …

Montreal, since then, has never really replied on the transasion market.

The PIUS SUTER folder might seem minor on the surface. but it symbolizes this unresolved tension between two franchises that want to establish itself as the capital of Canadian hockey.

And if Suter chooses Toronto. it will not be a drama, but new proof that Montreal is still going in second, even for luxury plumbers.

It will be a psychological defeat. A demonstration that even average players prefer leafs at CH. A shame to digest.

It is also necessary to emphasize how unique the profile is unique on the current market. He is right -handed. capable of playing in $ 18 million: temporary center the center and the wing, excellent in numerical inferiority, and above all very disciplined.

He does not cost his team any goals. He hardly takes penalties. He is the ideal player to complement a young nucleus, like that of Montreal.

But this is also exactly what the leafs are looking for to stabilize a fragile structure. around which the spectrum of a disguised reconstruction hovers after the departure of Marner.

SUTER becomes the tactical weapon in an ideological confrontation between two visions of hockey: patience. development in Montreal while waiting for Hage, pressure and immediate results in Toronto.

If Kent Hughes lets you go and sweat in Toronto, it will not just be a missed signature. It will be a loss of influence.

And it is for this reason that this file becomes crucial. You have to understand that in this battle, the Canadian does not only compete for another $ 18 million: temporary center team. He faces his eternal rival, his double media and strategic: Toronto.

In the coming days, Pius Suter will choose its next destination. And through this decision will be much more than 18 million. It will be a reflection of the real attractiveness of CH. the persuasion power of Kent Hughes, and of the prestige that still embodies the tricolor uniform.

If he opts for Toronto, the fracture will widen. And supporters of the Canadian will once again have the impression of having been betrayed by immobility.

Montreal can no longer be content to watch its rivals win driving behind the scenes. It’s time to go to the offensive. Otherwise, even the pius sucks this world will end up in Toronto.

And that is unacceptable.