• HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • Site Index
  • NHL Salary Caps
  • Hockey 101: A Beginner’s Guide
  • Join Our Team
  • Free Newsletter
  • Store
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
Home
Player Profiles

Pius Suter – The Next Ones: NHL 2016 Draft Prospect Profile

By Dennis Schellenberg March 9th, 2016

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

Pius Suter

2015-16 Team: ZSC Lions (#44)

Date of birth: 5/24/1996

Place of birth: Wallisellen, Switzerland

Ht:  5’11 Wt: 176

Shoots: Left

Position: C/LW

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2016 3rd year eligible

Twitter: @pius_suter

Other Rankings:

  • Central Scouting EU skaters: 39

***

In the Shadow of Auston Matthews

Pius Suter is playing an exceptional season with the ZSC Lions in Switzerland, having collected 24 points in his first season of professional hockey. His 24 points have him ranked as the eighth best scorer of the team. However, he has not been getting the attention he would actually deserve. Of course, all eyes are on Auston Matthews instead. Suter could still benefit from the arrival of Matthews though, as Matthews attracts a lot scouting visits from NHL organization. Suter has collected the second most votes for the league’s “newcomer of the year” award behind Matthews. The former Guelph Storm re-enters the draft this summer after remaining undrafted the previous two times.

Suter is an extremely smart and hard working player who likes to compete and uses his hockey smarts to win puck battles. Although he is smallish in size, he is not afraid to compete against bigger opponents, so this should not hinder teams from drafting him. He brings a good compete level to the ice and plays an effective two-way game. He back-checks well and is aware of his defensive tasks. Does not lay out big hits or play with a physical edge, but uses an active stick to be in passing lanes and shows determination in puck battles. He is also an effective fore-checker while using that active stick work to create turnovers.

https://twitter.com/Yandlebaum/status/678386153431678976

Suter is extremely dangerous when playing shorthanded, where he plays big minutes under ZSC coach Marc Crawford. He uses his strong hockey smarts to read plays and anticipates passes to create turnovers. He has scored on several shorthanded breakaways this season using his instincts, stick work and transition game. Suter is making smart decisions with and without the puck and is not committing a lot of mistakes. I have barely seen him admitting turnovers as he carries the puck carefully. He is excellent in receiving a pass as he has his stick constantly on the ice for the best possible puck control.

His excellent work ethic and understanding of the game make up for his smallish size and lack of physical play. He doesn’t take a shift off and NHL organizations should definitely keep an eye on him in the coming summer.

NHL Draft Projection:

Although Suter had a strong last season with Guelph, he remained undrafted, probably because of his size. However, he definitely proved this season that he can play among men and against bigger opponents. Furthermore, he could benefit from the many scouts in the stands because of Matthews. I would really be surprised if he goes undrafted again this summer and expect him to be selected somewhere near the fourth or fifth round.

Quotables:

He is a highly competitive and driven player who is known for his maturity, work ethic and goal scoring prowess. His size is not a factor considering his drive and determination, he never gives up on a play and is quite willing to battle against bigger players.

-Peter Harling, mckeenshockey.com

Offensive center that plays a sound all-around game. Never gives up on the play and possesses a versatile set of 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.

-Curtis Joe, eliteprospects.com

Statistics:

Strengths:

Work ethic

Determination

Hockey Smarts

Active stick

Transition game

Playing shorthanded

Understanding of the game

Under Construction (Improvements to Make):

Strength

Physical game

NHL Potential:

Suter has the potential to become a smart two-way player who uses his hockey smarts, good decision-making and willingness to battle. His high compete level and determination make his size forgotten and complete his 360-degree profile.

NHL comparison: Frans Nielsen

Risk-Reward Analysis: 

Risk: 3/5   Reward: 3/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offensive = 5/10   Defensive = 6/10

Awards/Achievements

2013/2014: OHL Champion

2015/2016: Swiss Cup Winner

Interview/Profile Links:

Guelph Storm Spotlight on Suter

Guelph Mercury article on Suter

Videos:

Shots From the Slot:

Suter was drafted by the Guelph Storm back in 2013 in the first round of the CHL Import Draft. He spent two seasons with Guelph where he was OHL Champion with the team in 2014. Suter improved his language skills over the course of his Canada stay and emerged into a more offensive role in his second year with the Storm. He has scored 43 goals in that year, which was the sixth best mark in the league. Suter played on the same team with Detroit Red Wings prospect Tyler Bertuzzi and St. Louis Blues Robby Fabbri.

Record Book fact https://t.co/yNeuV4SakT@pius_suter's 2 goals in 9 seconds tie Dave Gagner's 1983 WJC record for fastest 2 goals

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) January 3, 2016

***

THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph

  • Tags
  • 2016 NHL Draft
  • Pius Suter
  • ZSC Lions
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

Get theScore App Now!
Recent Posts
Jan 18th 3:55 PM
Other Leagues

Windsor Spitfires’ 2010 Grubauer Trade Cemented OHL Dynasty

Jan 18th 3:45 PM
Archives

The Strangest Superstitions in NHL History

Jan 18th 3:35 PM
Florida Panthers

Newest Panthers Make Their Mark in the Season Opener

Jan 18th 3:25 PM
Montreal Canadiens

Prospects News & Rumors: Robertson, Caufield, Clarke & Harrison

Jan 18th 3:10 PM
Edmonton Oilers

Oilers News & Rumors: Yamamoto, Kahun, Bear, Goalie News, More

Jan 18th 3:00 PM
Column

Flyers Who’s Hot & Who’s Not: Konecny, Hart, Voracek & More

Jan 18th 2:50 PM
Ottawa Senators

From the Senators’ Chambers: White Will Get His Chances

Jan 18th 2:40 PM
Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs Weekly: Goalie Controversy, Injuries, Waivers and More

Jan 18th 2:30 PM
Column

Oilers Weekly: Inconsistent Play, Goalie Carousel & COVID-19

Jan 18th 1:35 PM
Column

NHL Players of the Week: McDavid, Stamkos & More

Editor’s Picks
World Junior Championship All-Time Leading Scorers

World Junior Championship All-Time Leading Scorers

2021 Guide To the World Junior Championship

2021 Guide To the World Junior Championship

Masthead

Newsletters

RSS Feeds

Privacy Statement

Contact Us

About THW…

Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. Updated daily with news and features from over 130 writers worldwide. Over 2 million monthly readers now come to THW for their hockey fix.

© The Hockey Writers 2020. All rights reserved.
logo
  • HOME
  • Hockey Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • North Division
    • Calgary Flames
    • Edmonton Oilers
    • Montreal Canadiens
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Toronto Maple Leafs
    • Vancouver Canucks
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • East Division
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • New Jersey Devils
    • New York Islanders
    • New York Rangers
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Pittsburgh Penguins
    • Washington Capitals
  • Central Division
    • Carolina Hurricanes
    • Chicago Blackhawks
    • Columbus Blue Jackets
    • Dallas Stars
    • Detroit Red Wings
    • Florida Panthers
    • Nashville Predators
    • Tampa Bay Lightning
  • West Division
    • Anaheim Ducks
    • Arizona Coyotes
    • Colorado Avalanche
    • Los Angeles Kings
    • Minnesota Wild
    • San Jose Sharks
    • Seattle Kraken
    • St Louis Blues
    • Vegas Golden Knights
  • World Juniors
  • CHL
    • Ontario Hockey League
    • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
    • Western Hockey League
  • THW Podcast Network
  • Store
  • FREE Newsletter
  • Search THW
  • More…
    • Join Our Team
    • The THW Archives
    • Prospects
    • The Goalie Page
    • NHL Salary Cap Information