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Blues Briefing: Suter or Parise?

July 13, 2021, 3:12 PM ET [8 Comments]
John Gove
Boston Bruins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
In the thick of the NHL's "silly season," new names have hit the availability list. With the news of Minnesota buying out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter's contracts, the upcoming UFA market has two new veterans on the list.

Should the Blues have interest in either? Let's dive in...

1. First off, let's make one thing clear. At the age of 36, neither of these players are at the level they once were (obviously). Still, they each possess some value, depending on the team that chooses to acquire them. At the same time, each will likely sign cost-friendly, short-term contracts.

2. Let's start with the player that appears to have a bit more in the tank. Heading into year-17 of his career, Ryan Suter still possesses the ability to eat up quality minutes and provide some value to a team's top-four. His offensive numbers took a hit this season, but he still managed 19 points in 56 games.

Realistically, if the Blues were to pursue Suter, they wouldn't be doing it for his offense. They would be doing it for his commitment to defense, hoping to shore up things in that area. Suter would immediately become an impactful presence whose leadership and experience could assist in a turnaround.

With St. Louis's championship window in question, the fact that Suter would not need a long-term commitment is also intriguing. Looking at the age of this current core, the Blues would likely be able to bring him aboard long enough to take another crack at things but not long enough to turn it into a regretful situation.

Now St. Louis will have to commit a lot of time and energy to retool their forward group. However, if they choose to address the defense, pursuing Ryan Suter is far from an outrageous idea.

3. Speaking of forwards, let's move onto Parise. With questions surrounding St. Louis's top-six, Doug Armstrong will explore all options. After a down year this season, the Minnesota native will likely come at a discount, making him an affordable option. However, there is far less certainty surrounding the impact he can provide a team.

Paired with the correct linemates, maybe Parise can get back to being the 20-plus goal-scorer from 2019. At the same time, there is as good a chance those days are behind him.

With news of St. Louis making a "full pitch effort" to land Landeskog, it's clear Armstrong is looking to reel in a big fish at forward. Parise is not a member of that category anymore. Still, if the Blues can address the more pressing issues and still have some extra money to play with, Parise is not a bad option for a third-line role.

4. Being a team hoping to make a splash, the Blues will need to consider all options. Names such as Parise and Suter are always going to grab some fan-fair because they are known entities. Of course, making moves based on a well-known name can always come back and bite a team.

In the case of these two upcoming UFA's, I think Armstrong should at least kick the can on Suter and see what a potential deal might look like. Parise, on the other hand, is a player I'd be less inclined to bring aboard.
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